African Mining Research Articles

Effect of Corporate Governance Practices on the Performance of an Established Medium-Sized Enterprise in the Mining Industry in South Africa

It is evident that SMEs have formed a significant part of the broader South African mining industry, faced their fair share of constraints and challenges, and often experienced a high failure rate. In light of this, the research objective of this study is to identify the CG practices followed by an established medium-sized enterprise in the mining industry. The study explored ethical culture, good performance, effective control, and legitimacy as CG outcomes in this particular SME, aiming to determine whether these practices have effectively addressed the challenges faced by SMEs. The study employed a qualitative research approach with two stages. First, a review of previous research regarding SME challenges. Second, a case study research design with a single medium-sized enterprise mine in the North-West province will be used as the unit of analysis. Data were collected using MS Teams, telephonic, and semi-structured interviews. The transcribed interviews were analyzed using Microsoft Excel. The SME demonstrated a strong ethical culture, achieved good performance through regular performance reporting and evaluation of the company’s core purpose, aligned to the effective control theme since the SME has a unique governing body and addresses the challenges of their size by implementing a governance structure and delegating authority and holds regular meetings with internal and external stakeholders to maintain a good relationship with stakeholders in order to fulfill the legitimacy theme. The study, therefore, concluded that CG outcomes are well understood and practiced by SMEs in the mining industry, affirming the effectiveness of these practices in addressing the challenges faced by SMEs.

Leadership Coaching and Transformation in the South African Mining Sector

Leadership Coaching and Transformation in the South African Mining Sector

Radio communications through rock strata – South African mining experience over 50 years

Radio communications through rock strata – South African mining experience over 50 years

Does the South African Carbon Tax Incentivise Mines to Invest in Solar Photovoltaic?

The aim of this study was to evaluate the adequacy of South Africa’s carbon pricing policy in incentivising adoption of Solar photovoltaic in South African mines. A qualitative study was conducted to evaluate the adequacy of South Africa’s carbon tax policy design to encourage adoption of solar photovoltaic in mines. The study further establishes the carbon pricing level that will induce South African miners to invest in Solar photovoltaic through a net present value simulation. A review of South Africa’s Carbon Tax regime highlights that the policy shortcomings can be attributable to low carbon prices, excessive free emission allowances, and continued subsidy support of fossil fuels. Furthermore, the carbon price needs to exceed cost of abatement to encourage investment in decarbonisation measures. A net present value simulation finds that a carbon price of ZAR 668.62 per tonne of CO2 would need to be levied to incentivise mining entities to invest in solar photovoltaic. The study recommends higher carbon prices be levied for carbon for emissions to encourage mining entities to adopt solar photovoltaic renewable energy. The paper contributes to tax policy scholarship on designing a carbon pricing model for South Africa’s mining sector. Decarbonising the mining industry, a significant contributor of GHG emissions, will advance the decarbonisation efforts of South Africa.

Optimal decarbonisation pathway for mining truck fleets

The fossil fuel powered mining truck fleets can contribute up to 80% of total emissions in open pit mines. This study investigates the optimal decarbonisation pathway for mining truck fleets. Notably, our proposed pathway incorporates power generation, negative carbon technologies, and carbon trading. Technical, financial, and environmental models of decarbonisation technologies are established, capturing regional variations and time dynamic characteristics such as cost trends and carbon capture efficiency. The dynamic natures of characteristics pose challenges for using the cost-effective analyses approach to find the optimal decarbonisation pathway. To address this, we introduce a mixed-integer programming optimisation framework to find the decarbonisation pathway with minimum life cycle costs during the planning period. A case study for the optimal decarbonisation pathway of truck fleets in a South African coal mine is conducted to illustrate the applicability of the proposed model. Results indicate that the optimal decarbonisation pathway is significantly influenced by factors such as land cost, annual budget, and carbon trading prices. The proposed method provides invaluable guidance for transitioning towards a cleaner and more sustainable mining industry.

The non-use of aluminum oxide for silicosis prophylaxis in South African mines

The non-use of aluminum oxide for silicosis prophylaxis in South African mines

Mining corporate boardrooms still a male club? Experiences and challenges faced by South African women

Calls for transformation in the mining sector are legislated. Whilst the composition of boards in terms of gender diversity and equal representation has improved, little is known on how women directors experience boardrooms. This research investigated the experiences of South African women in male-dominated mining boards. It questions why women remain marginalised in boardrooms, even when they are qualified as the men in their respective fields. The experiences of South African women on male-dominated mining boards were investigated by means of a multiple case study using a qualitative research methodology. Interviews were conducted with 16 women and 12 men serving across six JSE-listed South African mining companies. The findings show that irrespective of their qualification and experience, women's, contributions are often ignored, and they are assigned to more social roles. Regardless of race, all women experienced gender stereotyping. Strategies are required to ensure that board cultures embrace female talent, where women can effectively contribute to decision-making and maximize their talent. It is argued that gender and identity should be studied in relation to post-colonial history in African countries. Women have multiple, varying identities, and their experiences require a unique investigation that would enable strategies to overcome barriers, through the implementation of an appropriate diversity management programme.

Lean construction: Implementing the Last Planner System on mining projects

The potential benefits of implementing the Last Planner System (LPS) on mining infrastructure projects were explored through two case studies in the South African mining industry. The first part of the study involved measurement of the impact of LPS through earned value techniques on secondary project data. The second part sought to establish the lean construction success factors leading to improvements in construction performance. This was done by means of a research questionnaire distributed to the project owner's teams, contracted parties, and the LPS facilitators. The results revealed a positive correlation between LPS application and planned percentage complete. However, the performance achieved during the LPS pilot was not sustained. The success factors and benefits considered most evident in the case study pilot differed among the three stakeholder groups. The findings are expected to guide construction stakeholders to better define performance measures and focus on factors required to make LPS implementation more effective in the South African mining sector.

Green investment in South Africa: A perception of overinvestment or underinvestment in energy and mining firms

This paper investigates green investments in energy and mining firms in South Africa to determine the efficiency level in terms of overinvestment and underinvestment. The general Richardson residual measurement model is employed, and an enhanced model is created by including variables that influence green investment, such as political connections and pollutant emissions. Data from 17 companies (5 energy and 12 mining) were used because of the significant effects of their operations on the environment over the period between 2015 and 2022. The study findings show that, in comparison to the estimated optimal investment level, South African energy and mining firms are not consistent regarding their investment level. It interplays between underinvestment and overinvestment. However, both firms demonstrated the tendency to green investment inefficiency due to underinvestment recorded in the latter years of the sample period. The study provides understanding as regards green investment levels of energy and mining firms and hence recommends adequate oversight and formulation of environmental policy by the government to ensure green investment efficiency in line with both national and international policies and regulations to facilitate a sustainable environment.

Bat-Borne Pathogens and Public Health in Rural African Artisanal Gold Mines.

Marburg virus, the first filovirus discovered and a close cousin to the Ebola virus, is carried by the Egyptian rousette bat, a common cave-dwelling fruit bat endemic to sub-Saharan Africa whose populations can exceed 50 000 individuals. Community outbreaks of Marburg virus can result in high morbidity rates. In eastern Africa, favorite habitats of these bats include rural subterranean gold mines-sometimes worked illegally-that create environments conducive to zoonotic virus transmission. This commentary on a case describes how outbreaks of Marburg virus disease among people exposed to sub-Saharan African caves and mines containing these bats cause tensions among miners, companies, public health officials, and conservationists.

Relationship between executive remuneration and performance of South African mining companies

Orientation: Managers are supposed to manage companies to maximise shareholders’ wealth. Instead, there are long-standing perceptions that managers are rent extractors who maximise their own wealth, implying a misalignment between executive remuneration and company performance.Research purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the existence of a relationship between executive remuneration and the financial performance of South African-listed mining companies.Motivation for the study: Executive remuneration significantly increased over the past five decades relative to company financial performance. The mining sector was selected due to its susceptibility to external factors and shocks leading to volatility in the financial performance of mining companies.Research approach/design and method: This study was a quantitative archival study, using data from 2015 to 2021, by applying the hierarchical linear modelling technique at a 95% confidence level and a 5% significance level.Main findings: The study found a weak to strong relationship between executive remuneration and company financial performance. Furthermore, an analysis of executive remuneration revealed an increase in short-term incentive payments and a decrease in the fixed salary as a proportion of chief executive officer remuneration.Practical/managerial implications: Because the study found a strong link between executive remuneration and earnings-based financial performance metrics, governing bodies should ensure that financial performance metrics include cash flow-based financial metrics as company earnings are highly susceptible to management manipulation.Contribution/value-add: This study contributes to the existing literature on executive remuneration and will be useful to researchers, shareholders, boards of directors, remuneration committees and policymakers.

Negotiations in African Gold Mining Companies: a Case Study Done in Eritrean Bisha Gold Mining Company

Negotiations in African Gold Mining Companies: a Case Study Done in Eritrean Bisha Gold Mining Company

Noise-induced hearing loss and hearing protection: Attitudes at a South African coal mine.

Negative attitudes and beliefs are major contributing factors to the rising numbers of noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) cases in coal mines both locally and internationally. International literature confirms limited knowledge surrounding employees' attitudes and beliefs regarding NIHL and hearing protection devices (HPDs), hence the need for the study. To ascertain the attitudes and beliefs about NIHL and HPD use among employees at a large scale underground coal mine in Mpumalanga. A descriptive and exploratory cross-sectional study was conducted using a self-administered questionnaire, developed by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) on Beliefs about Hearing Protection and Hearing Loss (BHPHL). Participants (n= 241) included employees from a coal mine in Mpumalanga, South Africa. Out of 241 completed surveys, this study found that 84% were aware of when to replace earmuffs; 95% believed wearing HPDs could prevent hearing loss in noisy environments; 83% felt their hearing was impacted by loud noise. Additionally, 86% mentioned discomfort from earmuff pressure; 95% emphasised HPD importance; and 95% used HPDs around loud sounds. Moreover, 98% knew how to properly wear earplugs, while lower education levels were linked to higher susceptibility to NIHL. The study identified positive attitudes towards NIHL and HPD use, but existing NIHL cases must be acknowledged. Organisations can use the findings to develop tailored hearing conservation programmes (HCP), including education, involving employees in protection decisions and promoting diligent HPD usage.Contribution:This study contributes to the limited literature on noise perceptions, NIHL, and HPD use in mining, emphasising the impact attitude has on HPD use and assessing the effect of miners NIHL knowledge on compliance. The findings, unique to coal mining, hold significance for enhancing hearing conservation and reducing NIHL.

Employee engagement among women in technical positions in the South Africa mining industry

The aims of this study were to investigate the factors that influence women's engagement in technical positions in the South African mining sector and to determine what could be done to promote their successful participation. A convergent parallel mixed-methods research design was used to ascertain the factors that facilitate, inhibit, and influence engagement. In the quantitative phase of the study, questionnaires were circulated to women employeees; and in the qualitative phase, semi-structured interviews were conducted with employer representatives, most of whom were human resource personnel. Confirmatory factor analysis showed that the three-factor structure (vigour, dedication, and absorption) of the Utrecht Work Engagement Scale fit the sample data reasonably well. Although there is room for improvement, respondents demonstrated acceptable levels of engagement in their work. On the other hand, the qualitative findings showed that employee engagement is impacted by unfavourable working conditions, work-life balance, and the mining industry's male-dominated work culture. The findings showed that employee engagement should be elevated to a core human resource function. To increase the participation of women in mining, human resource professionals are encouraged to collaborate with mine supervisors, managers, and employees to develop programmes that promote employees' absorption in and dedication to their work.

Profitability, Respectability and Challenge: (Re)Gaining Control and Restructuring the Labour Process while Maintaining Racial Order at South African Gold Mines, 1913–1922

The history of black labour at the South African gold mines has conventionally been punctuated by three great African strikes, in 1920 (often obscured by the great white mine-worker strike of 1922), 1946 and 1987. The strikes of 1920, 1946 and 1987 (as well as the great white strikes of 1913 and 1922) have all attracted considerable scholarly attention. Yet a more limited black strike in 1913 has seldom, if ever, been recalled, despite its crucial importance for formulating racial policy at the gold mines, buried as it was in the violent defeat of white miners and their cohorts. This paper takes up the challenge of understanding management and state responses to collective (black and white) mine-worker struggles during the decade from 1913 to the early 1920s and assessing outcomes for worker participants, white and black alike.

African Mining Economies and the Gender Gap in Political Participation

African Mining Economies and the Gender Gap in Political Participation

Investigating the Prevalence of Gender Stereotypes in a South African Mine

The existence of gender stereotypes is a common phenomenon. Pressure on organisations to establish workforce diversity evolves constantly. However, diversity encourages stereotyping. Once organisations know the stereotypes, they will be able to manage these more effectively. The main aim of this study is to investigate the prevalence of gender stereotypes in a mine in South Africa. Limited research has been undertaken to date on the existence of gender stereotypes in the South African mining industry. A sample of 39 employees from a South African mine was selected and semi-structured interviews were conducted. The data were analysed by means of content analysis. Most of the employees who were interviewed understood the concept of gender stereotypes. The most prevalent stereotypes that were found were in-group stereotypes, out-group stereotypes and perceived in- and out-group stereotypes (meta stereotypes). The existence of gender stereotypes in a mine can be managed through establishing various interventions to assist employees to confront their own stereotypes and valuing employees for their contribution and not according to the gender group they belong to. This study adds to the literature and knowledge of gender stereotypes. Limited studies have been conducted on gender stereotypes in South African mines. The information obtained in this study provides insight into the stereotypes that should be managed in the South African mining industry.

Assessing environmental radon contribution by different sources near a South African gold mine tailings

Assessing environmental radon contribution by different sources near a South African gold mine tailings

Chaplaincy Transitioning Covid-19 in the South African Mining Sector

Chaplaincy or pastoral care as a model of emotional, social, and spiritual support continues to be offered to both religious and non-religious communities. Although its inclusive nature appears to have diminished in recent years, it became very apparent during the Covid-19 pandemic when it became accessible to both religious and non-religious individuals. While there is extensive research highlighting the value of pastoral care during the Covid-19 crisis, little appears to have addressed its impact and character on the mining sector in general, but particularly the South African mining sector. During the Covid-19 scare in 2020, chaplains provided ongoing emotional, social and spiritual support to frontline workers in other professional fields in general, and to all workers working in the mining sector in particular. While many of the miners who benefited from this facility belonged to religious communities, some were clearly non-religious. Combining literature reviews and case study methods, this paper underscores the value of pastoral care in the mining sector, particularly its availability to South African miners who have had to isolate after testing positive for Covid-19 in 2020. In essence, this will not only underscore the presence of chaplaincy in the mining industry during Covid-19, but also explicitly define the value of inclusive chaplaincy in relation to and beyond the context of pandemics such as Covid-19.

Problemas socioambientales asociados a la minería en la República Centroafricana

Considering the differences between the European and African continents concerning the management of the mining production sector, we decided to carry out this study with the main objective of demonstrating that, in Africa, mining can improve the quality of life of the populations where it develops and, at the same time, it is possible to respect the environment, which is our main wealth. To achieve these objectives, it is necessary to present the mining activity of the continent, emphasizing both the negative aspects and its strong points. The most important thing is to make a good diagnosis of the situation, which will allow us to cure our "patient", that is, African mining production. Therefore, it is important that these states have access to the maximum amount of information and technical solutions that facilitate their decision for a better management of their mineral resources and, by extension, the improvement of the living conditions of millions of Africans who still live below of the poverty threshold. Today, the African continent is experiencing a great revolution, and many governments are considering reviewing the mining contracts signed with the multinationals that exploit their resources. The Central African Republic is not to be outdone; despite its strong mining potential it has never really been able to take off. Today, in addition to poverty, a war has been set up directly related to the exploitation of mineral resources. People who were working for themselves yesterday are enslaved by militias that not only destroy nature, but also social cohesion.