The harmful effects of mining on agriculture

Mining is often cited as environmentally destructive. Janse Rabie, head of natural resources at Agri SA, examines the impact of mining on agriculture in South Africa, the government’s problematic legislation and its potential for corruption, and the steps required to remedy this situation.

- Janse Rabie

Historically, the agriculture and mining sectors have played dominant roles in shaping South Africa’s socio-economic, political and natural landscape. Today, both remain crucial to addressing the legacies of our country’s past and responding to the challenges and opportunities of the future. This will require clear vision and strong leadership from government, labour, business and social partners.

Government’s policies are characterised by low levels of financial and institutional support for the commercial farming sector, and an emphasis instead on emerging-farmer development and the transformation of land ownership. Of late, government appears to be showing renewed interest in the sector, focusing in particular on its potential to create employment. This is evident from the negotiations taking place during the drafting of South Africa’s Agricultural and Agro-processing Master Plan, which is currently under way, as well as the Presidency’s Operation Vulindlela initiative.

Despite its abundance of mineral resources, South African mining faces a systemic crisis. The sector comprises massive coal production (about 75% of the total weight of all minerals produced in the country) at a time when climate change pressures are seeing a global move away from coal-fired energy production. Mining employment in South Africa stood at 451 427 in 2020, down from 538 144 in 2012, as the sector went through job cuts.

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