Challenges of transition minerals mining
On 11 September, CNV Internationaal, Profundo and ILRIG hosted a webinar to introduce the recently finalised study on “The South African Mining Sector: Labour Rights in Transition Mineral Mining”, commissioned by CNV Internationaal and conducted by Diana Quiroz, Manon Stravens, Lara French, Shawn Hattingh and Mthetho Xhali.
South Africa's mining sector is vital to the global energy transition, particularly in the production of key minerals like chrome and manganese. However, the industry faces significant challenges, including hazardous working conditions, low wages, inadequate and unaffordable housing, and resistance to unionization.
The report informs an incipient programme on transition minerals and the South African mining sector.
The registration of the webinar is available below.
Content of the webinar
- Introduction by Francisca van Dusseldorp and Daantje Bras (CNV Internationaal).
- Research findings
Diana Quiroz (Profundo)
Shawn Hattingh (ILRIG).
- Interactive Q&A session
- Next steps by Francisca van Dusseldorp and Daantje Bras (CNV Internationaal).
Thank you for watching this webinar on the labour rights in the South African mining industry. We hope you found the session as productive and informative as we did, and we look forward to continuing the dialogue.
Key take-aways
South Africa is one of the leading global suppliers of minerals needed for the energy transition. The results of the study advise us to focus especially on manganese and chromium, due to their foreseen demands and economic importance during the energy transition. There are also recurring labour rights issues in these sectors.
Perilous working conditions
The conditions for workers employed in transition mineral mining remain perilous. A few examples are:
- the high level of fatalities in transitional mineral mining;
- violations of trade union rights such as hindering unionizations efforts;
- a hostile environment from mining companies towards unions limiting space for bargaining practices;
- gender disparities with case studies indicating severe sexual harassment towards women;
- great OHS risks due to the exposure of workers to harmful substances.
Additionally, mining in South Africa has severe environmental consequences, including risks of water contamination and excessive waste risking hazards such as tailings dam failures.
Critical urgency
The urgency to address these challenges is critical, given the leading position of South Africa in transitional mining. Joint action is needed, and the South African mining sector has the opportunity to position itself as not only leading in mining minerals, but also as a leading champion of a just energy transition globally.
Study on labour rights in South Africa's transition minerals mining sector
Profundo's report presents the results of a study that mapped the mineral mining value chain in South Africa, identifying key stakeholders such as producers, traders, processors, and buyers.
The study assessed leading companies’ due diligence policies and practices, exploring linkages between downstream and upstream companies, and thorough analysis of challenges related to labour rights in the value chain.
It also focused on women, youth and other vulnerable groups, particularly migrant workers.
Publication date 16 09 2024