Sustainable Development in the South African Mining Industry: The Role of Cleaner Production and EMA

The South African mining industry is increasingly embracing cleaner production (CP), albeit at a slow pace.

Environmental management accounting

(EMA) is still poor, in spite of increased awareness of the concept of triple bottom-line accounting. This paper investigates how CP and EMA, by means of examples in the gold mining sector, can assist towards sustainable development.

Mining and sustainable development are not contradictory terms. This paper will examine how the sustainable development principles are applicable within the SA mining industry. The future of the extractive industry is inseparable from the global pursuit of sustainable development. The mining industry is contributing to sustained growth and prosperity of current and future generations through the integration of economic progress, responsible social development and effective environmental management.

South Africa is particularly rich in mineral resources and is one of the leading raw material exporters in the world. South Africa on the other hand, is a water scarce country with mining activities often located in areas with limited water resources. The main challenges faced by the mining industry include proper water and electricity management among others. The implementation of cleaner technologies could be a solution to these challenges. Environmental management accounting and sustainability reporting are tools available to assist the mining industry to successfully achieve sustainable development.