Routledge Studies of the Extractive Industries and Sustainable Development DOI: 10.324/9781003403326

South Africa is experiencing notable numbers of mine closures. This book investigates mine closure and local responses in South Africa linking dependencies and social disruption. The book begins with three theoretical chapters that discuss theory, closure cost frameworks and policy development in South Africa. It uses evolutionary governance theory to show how mining creates dependencies and how mining growth often blinds communities and governments to the likelihood of closure. Too easily, mining goes ahead with no concern for the possibility or indeed inevitability, of eventual closure and how mining communities will cope. These impacts are showcased through eight place-based case studies from across South Africa, one focusing on mine workers, to demonstrate that mine closure causes significant social disruption.

Key Findings/Recommendations: A just transition from coal to renewables will be a complex and difficult endeavour.

Read online: https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003403326