Impact of closure of coalmines to surrounding communities

Published Feb 14, 2024, 10:22 AM

Often when we hear about the closure of mines, the first thing that comes to mind is the loss of jobs. One thing we don’t think about is the impact it has on the surrounding communities that are dependent on those mines economically. A recent study conducted by Dr Megan Cole and funded by the Water Research Commission hound that more than 6-million people are directly affected by these closures. The research also calls on both government and these companies to think about the social impact before closing the mines. 

Guest: Dr Megan Cole – Research Fellow at the University of Cape Town

Guest: Bizzah Motubatse – Regional Chairperson of the National Union of Mineworkers in the Highveld