Institutional responses to mine closure in the West Rand
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Date
2023
Authors
Kusambiza-Kiingi, Margaret Ann
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of the Free State
Abstract
This study investigated the social consequences of mine closures in the West Rand. The West Rand was once a rapidly growing area but has been severely affected by mine decline and closure, with its economy shrinking by 27% between 1996 and 2018. By using the concepts of new institutional economics (NIE), shrinking cities and mine closure, the study analysed the institutional environment (formal and informal rules) and institutional change in the West Rand. The study analysed decisions taken by key role players (communities, mining companies, government) in response to mine closures. Mining operations are well known for creating dependencies and complex networks, which disintegrate at the time of mine closure. Although mining has been a significant economic driver for over 100 years in South Africa, government only introduced the first firm mine closure regulations in 1991. Currently, South Africa has 6 100 abandoned mines, which are associated with numerous environmental and social problems; about 600 abandoned mines are in Gauteng province. While most studies focus on understanding and developing regulations to address the environmental impacts of mining globally, social aspects receive less attention. Consequently, mining companies and governments lack understanding of the real cost of mine closures and a holistic and sustainable way of closure. The study found that the West Rand is grappling with the complex phenomenon of mine closure and related power dynamics, which is exacerbated by high levels of poverty and unemployment. Critical drivers of effective collaboration between key role players, and crucial aspects of effective mine closure processes are weak or missing. Weak institutions prevail due to gaps in the regulations, a lack of capacity in government to enforce rules, and corrupt practices that have infiltrated societal behaviour. As noted by NIE, formal rules may change quickly, but informal rules change slowly. A culture of mistrust lingers postapartheid, and communities continue to bear the brunt of weak institutions. Social and labour plans are not the ideal mechanism for poor and declining environments such as the West Rand, necessitating a reconsideration of a model that is appropriate for the local context. The study emphasises the importance of participatory planning to address the negative consequences of urban shrinkage. The study recommends that the government should reinforce institutions to collaborate to achieve effective mine closures and strengthen its capacity to enforce mine closure rules and eliminate corruption. It is also essential to empower communities to participate in mine closure processes, articulate their interests, pick up the broken pieces, restore what has been damaged, hold duty bearers accountable and drive their development processes.
Description
Thesis (Ph.D.(Development Studies))--University of the Free State, 2023
Keywords
New institutional economics, shrinking cities, mine closure, formal institutions, informal institutions, postapartheid rules, collaborative governance, spatial planning, post-mining