EDITOR’S COMMENT
Time to take RESPONSIBILITY
Gone are the days of big mining companies exploiting minerals without acknowledging the potential damage to the environment and surrounding host communities.
O
ver the years, the mining industry has developed a bad reputation of not taking responsibility for the damage caused to the environment by mining activities. The nature of mining means it has a significant impact on air quality, water and energy consumption – all of which are linked to the environment. Unlike before, we are today seeing an industry that acknowledges the environmental impacts caused by its activities. In so doing, the industry is also taking responsibility for the environmental harm it causes. Where possible, many mine operations are working towards reducing the carbon footprint, water usage as well as energy consumption. In addition, mine companies know that mining has an impact on surrounding and host communities. Therefore, they have a responsibility to ensure that communities are not on the receiving end of companies’ environmental recklessness. Unfortunately, there are still cases where mine companies are guilty of and get away with irresponsible mining practices that are
harmful to not only the environment, but surrounding communities as well. There is no doubt that responsible mining is often challenging, as addressing environmental and social issues can be costly. Credit must be given to those companies that are committed to being responsible miners, regardless of the cost implications and additional challenges. Communities and environmentalists must also be given credit for identifying irresponsible mining practices and holding miners accountable.
Rehabilitation objectives Environmentalists and mining companies have had their fair share of toe-to-toe stand-offs when it comes to addressing environmental issues in the industry. Disagreements concerning such issues are to be expected; however, they should not result in a stalemate. Open, honest and constructive discussions are necessary between all stakeholders – even if the parties hold different views on various issues. Collaboration also comes into play as stakeholders need to work together to ensure that miners operate responsibly. There is no single solution to address environmental and social issues at all mine operations because of the dynamics involved. To adequately address the issues requires collaboration and constructive discussions where challenges for both parties are identified, and possible solutions are presented. Responsible mining will not only be beneficial for mines and communities, but also for future generations once the life of mine comes to an end.
Dineo EDITOR Dineo Phoshoko HEAD OF DESIGN Beren Bauermeister CHIEF SUB-EDITOR Tristan Snijders CONTRIBUTORS Spencer Eckstein, Hector Forster, Ben Kilbey, Toboko Molete, Hermanus Prinsloo, François Ribeiro dos Santos, Mmaphefo Thwala,Tali Tshikhovhokhovho, Marlo van Rensburg, Dustin van Helsdingen, Mongezi Veti, Christine Vivier, Philip Warwick PRODUCTION & CLIENT LIAISON MANAGER AntoisLeigh Nepgen GROUP SALES MANAGER Chilomia Van Wijk PRODUCTION COORDINATOR Jacqueline Modise DISTRIBUTION MANAGER Nomsa Masina
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