Sustainable Mining in Emerging Economies: A Case of Reputable Mining Companies in Africa

Abstract

Despite concerns about sustainability in the mining industry, integrating sustainability in mining continues to pose a big challenge for many companies. In developing countries, attention has been drawn to shortcomings in sustainability implementation in the mining sector. However, sustainable mining has been touted as adopting responsible business practices that protect the environment, and the wellbeing of society, while ensuring firms improve performance. To address this, this chapter seeks to propose ways of implementing sustainable mining practices. The chapter takes a closer look at sustainability practices in mining involving sustainability as environmental protection, corporate social responsibility, and sustainability as long-term community development. The chapter adopted a desk research approach to identify some sustainability practices in the mining sector in Africa. Secondary data from sustainability reports of four reputable mining companies in Africa were used to understand the sustainability practices of mining firms. The chapter also relied on an interview with a manager of a reputable mining company in Ghana on their sustainable mining practices. The findings in the chapter serve as evidence of the sustainability practices that mining firms implement. The chapter provides some recommendations for industry players and policymakers on ensuring sustainability in mining. It also contributes to scholarly knowledge on sustainability by focusing on mining sustainability in developing economies.