ETD Collection

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Subject: search.filters.subject.Mine closures--South Africa

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    The implementation of ine closure: a case study of closure certificates issued in Mpumalanga and Gauteng province
    (2018) Gutu, Anita Yevai
    This research report critically reviews the implementation of the current mine closure process in South Africa utilising case studies of gold and coal mines in Gauteng and Mpumalanga Provinces respectively. In order to relinquish liabilities, mining companies are required to sustainably rehabilitate land and obtain a mine closure certificate from the Department of Mineral Resources. Historically, mine closure was not well regulated which has resulted in an adverse legacy that sees over 5,000 derelict and ownerless mines across the South African landscape which have become a national liability for the government to rehabilitate. In an effort to discontinue this legacy, the legislative framework for mine closure has radically transformed. This study finds that the current framework is in line with internationally recognised best practice and demonstrates alignment with the principles of sustainability. However, despite this legislative transformation, there is a perception that mine closure certificates are not being granted. This research set out to analyse this perception and it was found that there is generally a low success rate for mine closure certificates applied for. Challenges influencing the implementation of the mine closure process include the reluctance of the regulating authority to relinquish liabilities which are linked to legacy issues associated with mine closure, the complex and entangled nature of the legislative framework and a potential lack of capacity of the regulating authority contributing to the ineffective execution of the process. Overall this research concludes that these challenges present a hindrance to the implementation of mine closure which comprises of rehabilitating land in a manner that allows it to be ceded for other sustainable land uses. This in turn presents a risk of further perpetuating the legacy of inadequate mine closure which directly negates the intent of the legislative transformation for mine closure
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    Caught in transition: the employment landscape following Emerald mine closure
    (2018) Dallaire-Fortier, Clara Lea
    In July 31, 2014, a large group of UMWA workers (United Mine Workers of America) marches with posters raised high: ‘EPA rules destroy good jobs’, ‘EPA rules put seniors at risk’, ‘Our kids matter too’. They opposed environmental regulations put in place by the Obama administration through the Clean Power Plan of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), regulations which aimed to reduce, by 2030, by 30% in 2030 national carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions by 30%. At the margins of the march, environmental activists stand. The march is tense, emotionally charged. A coal miner insults an environmentalist, and the latter reaches to hit the miner. They are ready to fight. A woman stands to separate them. Follows an announcer who present their opposition as inevitable. It is an environment versus job dilemma. Such understanding of the coal deindustrialisation seems limited and the slogans seem like a better starting point to understand the complex economic structure that is sought through by the experience of coal decline. They communicate about the state of pensions and healthcare, about lack of employment opportunities in Appalachia and outlook for future generations.