Labour rights in transition mineral mining
South Africa is one of the leading global suppliers of minerals needed for the energy transition. Research on labour rights in the South African mining sector, by Profundo for CNV Internattionaal, reveals recurring labour rights issues. In South Africa CNV Internationaal focusses on improving labour conditions especially in the manganese and chromium industry, due to their big demands and economic importance during the energy transition.
South Africa’s mining industry has a growing role in the global energy transition, being a major producer of critical minerals such as chromium, manganese, platinum, titanium, and vanadium. These resources are vital for renewable energy technologies.
Unfortunately, the current focus on just transition often neglects the workers indispensable for the extraction. CNV Internationaal's research reveals miners have to deal with hazardous working conditions, job insecurity and low wages, while being severely affected by the intensified resource extraction required for this energy shift.
CNV Internationaal aims to develop informed strategies to engage with upstream and downstream stakeholders, advocating for improved labour conditions throughout the mineral supply chain
Research on mining in South-Africa
Our latest reserach focusses on:
- Challenges within the mining sector: from low wages to hazardous working conditions.
- Analysis of the value chain: who are the key players and what responsibilities do they have?
- Special focus on the position of women, youth and migrant workers in the sector.
To learn more check these downloads:
Perilous working conditions revealed
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 and severe sexual harassment towards women;
- high 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.
Webinar on labour conditions in South African mining industry
Learn more in this webinar from: Diana Quiroz (researcher at Profundo) , Shawn Hattingh (ILRIG) and Francisca van Dusseldorp (CNV Internationaal).
Joint action
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.
Contact us
Don't hesitate to contact us if you are interested to explore collaboration opportunities:
Francisca van Dusseldorp, regional coordinator Africa, f.vandusseldorp@cnv.nl
Marjolein Groenewegen, programme manager Africa, m.groenewegen@cnv.nl