Mining at the crossroads: Sectoral diversification to safeguard sustainable mining?

Abstract Green economic principles call for a broadening of the scope of mine planning and operations to incorporate sectoral diversification as a formal part of the life cycle of mines. In this opinion piece we argue that sectoral integration of mining holds promise to improve the long term business resilience of the mining sector. We explain this notion for the case of diversification to agriculture in South Africa. The challenge is certainly not unique to South Africa and whilst the mining sector has become more socially and environmentally conscious, it remains a challenge world-wide. Ample opportunity remains for innovative interventions that go beyond mitigating risk of the post-mining landscape, towards socially and economically inclusive development solutions. It is hoped that this contribution ignites more debate on finding new ways to develop the complex relationships between sectors into mutually beneficial and cooperative coexistence based on true sectoral integration, so as to improve the long term sustainability of developing economies.