Socio-economic impacts of mine closure on local mining communities

Abstract

This study explores the socio-economic impacts of mine closure on local mining communities. Mining makes an important contribution to society. Historically the mining industry has encountered challenges in relation to environmental and social aspects specifically related to mine closure. There are complexities associated with mine closure. This study explores the impact from the perspective of mining communities affected and mining companies that make the decisions to close mines. A qualitative exploratory approach was adopted to obtain insights from mining community members specifically Small, Medium, Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) and mining companies. Semi-structured, in-depth interviews were undertaken with the various stakeholders. For each interview, a thematic content analysis was adopted. This study found that transparent continuous engagement with stakeholders, an altruistic approach to sustainable initiatives that would benefit the mining communities during the mine life cycle, provided a platform in which the mining companies would attain social capital and mitigate against the socio-economic impacts experienced by mining communities at closure of mining operations. The study findings add to the literature on the impacts of mine closure on communities.