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Decent Work and Economic Growth- Reduced Inequality
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Rethinking Artisanal Mining Practices: Nuances of Hegemony, Dispossession, and Resistance in Mining in Post-colonial South Africa
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This research documents the lived experiences of individuals and community members engaged in artisanal mining in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), South Africa, offering a nuanced exploration of the socio-economic and environmental dynamics shaping this sector. Employing auto-ethnographic approaches and the diverse economies framework, this study uncovers a complex world of resilience, adaptability, and contradiction, challenging dominant media narratives and policy positions about artisanal mining.
South Africa has abundant mineral resources such as diamonds, gold, platinum, coal, chrome, and titanium, which are widely spread across the country. The country is currently ranked 5th internationally in terms of mining contribution to Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Despite this, the economic benefits derived from mining have not entirely translated to the development of those in the margins of the economy. In addition, the industry is plagued with many challenges related to the decline in employment. While large-scale industrial mining falters, small-scale and artisanal mining (ASM) has gained prominence in popular and academic discourses. Scholars and activists note that the ASM sector remains poorly understood and largely misrepresented in South Africa and across the globe. As a result, there has not been enough effective policy and interventions put in place. Therefore, the overarching objective of this study was to understand the contextual nature of artisanal mining practices and the lived experiences of artisanal miners in rural South Africa and to analyse the drivers of the sector.
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Rethinking Artisanal Mining Practices: Nuances of Hegemony, Dispossession, and Resistance in Mining in Post-colonial South Africa
Cite this brief: Zondo, Nonkululeko. 'Rethinking Artisanal Mining Practices: Nuances of Hegemony, Dispossession, and Resistance in Mining in Post-colonial South Africa'. Acume. https://www.acume.org/r/rethinking-artisanal-mining-practices-nuances-of-hegemony-dispossession-and-resistance-in-mining-in-post-colonial-south-africa/
Brief created by: Dr Nonkululeko Zondo | Year brief made: 2024
Original research:
Research brief:
This research documents the lived experiences of individuals and community members engaged in artisanal mining in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), South Africa, offering a nuanced exploration of the socio-economic and environmental dynamics shaping this sector. Employing auto-ethnographic approaches and the diverse economies framework, this study uncovers a complex world of resilience, adaptability, and contradiction, challenging dominant media…
South Africa has abundant mineral resources such as diamonds, gold, platinum, coal, chrome, and titanium, which are widely spread across the country. The country is currently ranked 5th internationally in terms of mining contribution to Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Despite this, the economic benefits derived from mining have not entirely translated to the development of those in the margins of the economy. In addition, the industry is plagued with many challenges related to the decline in employment. While large-scale industrial mining falters, small-scale and artisanal mining (ASM) has gained prominence in popular and academic discourses. Scholars and activists note that the ASM sector remains poorly understood and largely misrepresented in South Africa and across the globe. As a result, there has not been enough effective policy and interventions put in place. Therefore, the overarching objective of this study was to understand the contextual nature of artisanal mining practices and the lived experiences of artisanal miners in rural South Africa and to analyse the drivers of the sector.
Findings: