(including a focus on gender-based violence) within the industry. Provided that the key stakeholders focus on implementing appropriate measures in support of their commitment, health and safety within the industry can improve and, ultimately, meet investment criteria to facilitate growth and development in South Africa’s Mining and Natural Resources Industry. Health, safety and environmental considerations are becoming increasingly important in African countries with a strong mining industry. As initiatives around health, safety and environment develop, the country-specific and regional focus on health, safety and environment, including protection of communities and their interests, will reconfirm just how important the “social licence” is in creating opportunities for all stakeholders. Today, the local mining industry is the world’s fifth largest mining sector in terms of gross domestic product (GDP), contributing around R494bn, or 7.5%, to the country’s GDP. What are the threats and macro challenges for the mining sector in its ability to continue to contribute to the fiscus, the labour market, and the broader economy. Figures that are often quoted in relation to gross domestic product (GDP) only include the formal contributions within the Mining and Natural Resources Industry in the relevant countries. In most African mining jurisdictions, there is a parallel industry that is operated by small-scale and artisanal miners. Often, unfortunately, because of the complexity around compliance, these artisanal and small-scale miners carry out their activities unlawfully, and without complying with key provisions 12 LAWYER MONTHLY SEPTEMBER 2024
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