MINING
INTEGRATED GEOSCIENCE Targeting Sustainable Development in South Africa
South Africa is a country that relies heavily on its natural resources for development. However, long-term exploration, extraction and utilisation of some of the natural resources have left South Africa with several negative implications that need to be addressed. BY THE COUNCIL FOR GEOSCIENCE ANTHROPOGENIC EFFECTS
The minerals and mining sectors contribute significantly to the country’s economy. Furthermore, these industries also contribute significantly towards the nation’s employment and associated socioeconomic development. In general, places that have experienced longstanding mining and minerals processing display evidence of surface and air pollution that is detrimental to human and environmental health. The extended use of fossil fuels for energy generation has resulted in South Africa becoming the largest CO2 emitter on the African continent. In addition, the extraction of these fossils fuels has resulted in the development of mine waters that pollute natural water, flora and faunal systems on the surface. Moreover, the processing of raw mining products contributes toward the deterioration of the air quality.
South Africa,s Climate Action Tracker.
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SHIFT TOWARDS SUSTAINABILITY
South Africa has affirmed its stance towards attaining sustainable development. It has stipulated these goals in the country’s National Development Plan (2030). Herein, South Africa aims to reduce negative impacts on the environment and shift to a lowcarbon economy. It aims to do this through the implementation of novel technologies. This includes a wide range of renewable and alternative sources of energy, and the development of novel circular-economy technologies to reduce the waste associated to mining products. Enabling such a shift from deeply entrenched practises requires a knowledge-driven approach. Key to this approach is understanding the fundamental geosciences of the Earth and the specific zone where anthropogenic interaction links with the environment. Understanding the geology of this zone will
