policy-briefing-122-8e7eb0d7cdb8f755.pdf

This policy briefing by the South African Institute of International Affairs examines how mining projects in Africa can better contribute to sustainable development through strategic partnerships. It argues that mining-led growth is often hindered by a lack of cooperation between companies, governments, and NGOs, as well as a lack of long-term planning and regulatory capacity. The document advocates for the use of 'good practice' Environmental and Social Impact Assessments (ESIAs) and the creation of shared infrastructure to maximize local economic and social benefits.

• Mining-led growth represents a significant opportunity for low-income African nations to catch up economically, with nearly three-quarters of foreign direct investment (FDI) directed toward mining since 2000. However, this potential is often limited by a lack of effective partnerships, frequently caused by a lack of capacity among regulators in lower-income countries and a lack of organizational ability within local communities.
• Mining companies often operate with a 'ring-fencing mentality,' failing to coordinate with other projects in the same area. This lack of cooperation leads to economic inefficiencies, such as the redundant construction of multiple access roads, power transmission lines, and water pipelines, and competing community development programs.
• Long-term development is frequently undermined by short planning horizons—particularly in smaller projects lasting a decade or less—and the absence or inconsistent implementation of national and local development plans. In environments with weak governance, this can lead to wealth being captured by rent-seeking elites or transferred abroad, while companies may ignore health and environmental safeguards.
• To maximize positive impacts, mining companies should establish three primary types of partnerships: with the state for development planning, with NGOs for community development and conservation, and with other mining companies to develop shared infrastructure. Strengthening NGOs is specifically highlighted as a benefit to companies, as it provides them with project-design feedback and negotiation partners that can prevent expensive delays.
• The document emphasizes the necessity of 'good practice' Environmental and Social Impact Assessments (ESIAs) as a tool to align investments with national development imperatives. These assessments should cover the entire mining life cycle, including mandatory social and environmental remediation funds and closure plans to ensure infrastructure is either removed or redesigned for post-mining re-use.
• A case study of a company in Central Africa demonstrates how partnering with a conservation NGO and park management can lead to sustainable outcomes. The company used its ESIA to design an overland ore conveyor system that acted as a barrier against poaching and illegal timber access, funded additional park staff, and focused on community projects with a 20-year horizon to allow for the re-skilling of local members for commercial farming.

APA

South African Institute of International Affairs (n.d.). policy-briefing-122-8e7eb0d7cdb8f755.pdf. https://saiia.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/Policy-Briefing-122.pdf

Chicago

South African Institute of International Affairs. policy-briefing-122-8e7eb0d7cdb8f755.pdf. n.d. https://saiia.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/Policy-Briefing-122.pdf.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |author=South African Institute of International Affairs |title=policy-briefing-122-8e7eb0d7cdb8f755.pdf |url=https://saiia.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/Policy-Briefing-122.pdf |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{southafricaninstituteofinternationalaffairsndpolicybriefing1228e7eb0d7cdb8f755pdf, author = {{South African Institute of International Affairs}}, title = {{policy-briefing-122-8e7eb0d7cdb8f755.pdf}}, institution = {South African Institute of International Affairs}, url = {https://saiia.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/Policy-Briefing-122.pdf}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }