Effective Turnaround Strategies in the Mining and Metals Industry in South Africa

Abstract

The subject of turnarounds is a notable one in the field of strategic management. Decades of literature reflect the history of this subject. However, limited research can be found on turnaround strategies that are specific to an industry. This paper studies the topic of turnarounds within the Mining and Metals sector in South Africa, a sector that contributes significantly to the country’s GDP. Three successful turnaround cases within the sector are explored in detail. The key factors that contributed to their unique turnaround scenarios, including internal and external factors, are discussed. The commonalities in the turnaround strategies implemented by these firms are utilised to develop a benchmark turnaround approach for the Mining and Metals sector. This paper contributes to academia through the explored literature, and to industry through the studied cases