Maximising Positive Impacts of Mining Projects: Stakeholders and Partnerships

The document argues that mining-led growth in Africa often fails to create local benefits due to a lack of effective partnerships, poor long-term planning, and a 'ring-fencing mentality' among companies. It recommends that mining investments be aligned with national development imperatives and that companies forge strategic partnerships with the state, NGOs, and other mining firms to share infrastructure and enhance community development. The author emphasizes the role of 'good practice' Environmental and Social Impact Assessments (ESIAs) in identifying partners and planning for the entire mine life cycle, including closure. A case study from Central Africa demonstrates how collaborating with a conservation NGO and local government led to sustainable infrastructure choices and long-term community training projects.

• Mining-led growth is a critical opportunity for low-income African nations to catch up economically, with nearly three-quarters of foreign direct investment directed toward mining since 2000, yet it is often constrained by a lack of effective partnerships.
• Effective partnerships are hindered by a lack of capacity among regulators in lower-income countries and a 'ring-fencing mentality' where companies fail to coordinate infrastructure, leading to redundant roads, pipelines, and power lines.
• Long-term planning is frequently absent in the sector, often because project lifespans are too short to facilitate workforce training or living condition improvements, or because national development plans are inconsistently implemented.
• Environmental and Social Impact Assessments (ESIAs) are identified as key tools for identifying risks and opportunities, planning for the entire mine life cycle, and ensuring infrastructure can be reused after mine closure.
• Strengthening NGOs can provide mining companies with essential negotiation partners and project-design feedback, which helps avoid costly delays and supports conservation and community development.
• A case study in Central Africa shows that partnering with a conservation NGO and local government led to the adoption of an overland ore conveyor system to prevent poaching and the creation of community projects with a 20-year horizon for re-skilling.

APA

Limpitlaw, D. (2015). Maximising Positive Impacts of Mining Projects: Stakeholders and Partnerships. South African Institute of International Affairs. https://saiia.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/Policy-Briefing-122.pdf

Chicago

Limpitlaw, Daniel. Maximising Positive Impacts of Mining Projects: Stakeholders and Partnerships. South African Institute of International Affairs, 2015. https://saiia.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/Policy-Briefing-122.pdf.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |last1=Limpitlaw |first1=Daniel |title=Maximising Positive Impacts of Mining Projects: Stakeholders and Partnerships |publisher=South African Institute of International Affairs |date=January 2015 |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{limpitlaw2015maximising, author = {Limpitlaw, Daniel}, title = {{Maximising Positive Impacts of Mining Projects: Stakeholders and Partnerships}}, institution = {South African Institute of International Affairs}, year = {2015}, month = jan, url = {https://saiia.org.za/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/Policy-Briefing-122.pdf}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }