Comparing Sustainability Reporting in South Africa’s Coal Mining Sector: JSE-Listed vs. Non-Listed Mines

Abstract

Sustainability reporting is essential for corporate accountability and transparency, particularly in the coal mining sector, due to its environmental and societal impacts. This study examines the differences in sustainability reporting between JSE-listed and non-listed coal mining companies, focusing on the Mpumalanga region. It explores whether reporting is genuinely driving sustainability for local stakeholders or merely serving as a tool to attract investors. Additionally, the study investigates the driving factors behind reporting, the frameworks used, and how it has evolved over time. Using qualitative content analysis, the study compares the environmental and social topics reported by each selected mining company against the Global Reporting Index (GRI) standard. The findings reveal significant disparities in reporting transparency and accountability between selected listed and non-listed firms. JSE-listed companies produce formal, detailed sustainability reports that exceed regulatory requirements, often incorporating frameworks and standards such as GRI, Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) and The Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB). In contrast, non-listed companies provide less formal and inconsistent reporting, focusing mainly on regulatory compliance. The study highlights the need for stronger regulatory enforcement and the integration of sustainability reporting with financial reporting, particularly in the non-listed entities, to enhance corporate accountability and address social and environmental challenges in the coal minin