Search Climate Insights Directory

This policy brief examines the environmental and social challenges of the mining industry and the limitations of current international and domestic governance. It argues that achieving 'sustainable mining' requires a shift toward development partnerships, stronger community consultation, and the integration of UN Sustainable Development Goals into mining operations to mitigate the 'resource curse' and environmental degradation.

This report provides an assessment of Rwanda's mining laws and policies against the Intergovernmental Forum on Mining, Minerals, Metals and Sustainable Development (IGF) Mining Policy Framework (MPF). Conducted between December 2016 and February 2017, the evaluation identifies strengths in Rwanda's regulatory framework and government willingness to improve the sector, while highlighting significant gaps in environmental monitoring, socioeconomic impact assessments, and mine closure planning. The report concludes that while Rwanda has robust laws, it lacks the technical and human capacity to fully implement and enforce them.

This research paper examines the conflict surrounding the Xolobeni Mineral Sands Project in South Africa's Eastern Cape. It analyzes the tensions between the AmaDiba community, the Australian mining company Mineral Commodities Limited (MRC), and the South African government, focusing on the failure of community consultation, environmental concerns, and the shortcomings of Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) legislation.

This research paper examines the socio-economic and environmental impacts of copper mining in Zambia, focusing on the transition from state ownership under Zambia Consolidated Copper Mines Limited (ZCCM) to privatisation. It argues that while privatisation and high global copper prices have increased production and corporate profits, the benefits have not reached local communities, leading to increased social conflict, environmental degradation, and a decline in social services.

This policy brief by the African Forum and Network on Debt and Development examines resource-backed loans (RBLs) and the collateralisation of mineral resources in African countries. It explores how these financial mechanisms can unlock infrastructure funding for resource-rich but capital-poor nations, while warning of significant risks including debt sustainability crises, lack of transparency, and the erosion of competitive public procurement processes.

This report, prepared by Jock Currie of the University of Cape Town for WWF South Africa, examines the potential ecological impacts of full-scale marine phosphate mining in the Western Cape, South Africa. It focuses on the risks associated with high-volume dredging technologies, such as Trailing Suction Hopper-Dredges (TSHD), and their effects on benthic, demersal, and pelagic organisms, as well as the overlap between proposed mining areas and critical conservation and fishery zones.

This document is an addendum to an Integrated Environmental Authorisation (IEA) issued by the South African Department of Mineral Resources to Mineral Sands Resources (Pty) Ltd. It implements amendments to the original IEA following an appeal decision by the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment.

This expert affidavit by Associate Professor Merle Rozanne Sowman supports an application by the Centre for Environmental Rights (CER) to suspend a decision allowing Mineral Sands Resources (Pty) Ltd (MSR) to expand its Tormin Mine operations on the South African West Coast. Professor Sowman argues that the expansion, which includes ten beaches and inland mining on Farm Geelwal Karoo 262, is causing accelerated cliff erosion and marine sediment pollution, while failing to adequately assess cumulative environmental impacts across MSR's broader regional applications.

This guide, produced by the OECD and the Intergovernmental Forum on Mining, Minerals, Metals and Sustainable Development (IGF), provides policy recommendations for developing countries to combat base erosion and profit shifting (BEPS) in the mining sector. It specifically addresses the use of excessive debt by multinational enterprises (MNEs) to shift profits abroad through interest deductions. The document details common aggressive tax planning structures, explains the application of OECD BEPS Action 4, and suggests a combination of fiscal tools to protect national tax bases while maintaining an attractive investment climate.

This report analyzes the state of the South African mining industry following the August 2012 Marikana massacre. It argues that the tragedy was a symptom of deeper structural issues, including poor living conditions for mine workers, a failing Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) framework, and a volatile regulatory environment. The author calls for a 'new social contract' involving community development agreements and a shift toward broad-based empowerment to ensure sustainable growth and prevent further violence.