The role of the South African mining industry in the sustainable transition to a low carbon economy

Abstract

The research study was aimed at understanding the role of the South African mining industry in the transition to a low carbon economy with the objectives of establishing the enablers to a sustainable transition, positioning the transition management framework as the anchor framework upon which the mining industry should pivot its transition efforts through the advocacy of stakeholder engagement, and establish the niche innovations that are being driven by the mining industry in order to drive the transition to a low carbon economy. To attain these objectives, the study was qualitative in nature and study asked four research questions anchored in the theory of transition management. The study found that mining businesses determine materiality of risk differently given their competitive position. The study further provided evidence that inadequate stakeholder engagement takes place between mining businesses and their stakeholders with regards to the development of climate change strategies. As far as niche innovations were concerned, the study found that mining businesses are leveraging a number of niche innovations through the establishment of strategic partnerships with businesses with a large research and development pool. Lastly, the study found evidence that an enabling regulatory environment is necessary for the successful transition to a low carbon economy and that leadership is necessary at a governmental level to provide policy clarity insofar as a social-technical transition is concerned.