The Impact of earthquakes on the sustainability of the Mining Sector in South Africa
STATUS: Current
PROJECT LEADER:
Van der Bergh, GM (Mr Gray), Owusu-Sekyere, E (Dr Emmanuel)
OTHER TEAM MEMBERS: Booysen, AS (Ms Denise),
Hongoro, C (Prof. Charles), Karuaihe, ST (Dr Selma), Jonas, S (Mr Siyanda),
Parker, W (Dr Whadi-Ah), Arowolo, O. (Prof ), Sakoane, LI (Ms Lineo)
DEPARTMENT RESPONSIBLE: ()
Abstract
Following direction from the CEO the HSRC is conducting a rapid and exploratory study into the impact of earthquakes (and other natural disasters) on the sustainability of the mining sector in South Africa. The primary purpose is to identify common ground from the findings of this multidisciplinary study for a medium term project, of about 36 months, that could be developed further.
Three key objectives of the study are as follows:
1 Develop policy papers on the following thematic areas: Impact of earthquakes (natural disasters) on mining communities and the economy generally; Policy regulatory context relating to mining and quarrying and fracking activities; Socioeconomic impact and the general social infrastructure of mining communities, public health implications, human settlements and the general household economy; Scientific linkages between earthquakes and mining, how this can be monitored and predicted; and Consideration of evidence of links between deep mining/fracking activities and related seismic activities.
2 Present policy papers at a strategic round table session participated by relevant policy makers and experts.
3 Develop a concept note for a 36-month medium term research project to intensely understand the sustainability of the mining industry in light of the impact of seismic activities and similarly triggered natural disasters.
The project is lead by the Economic Performance and Development research programme but with internal collaboration with the Research Impact Assessment and the Population Health, Health Systems and Innovation research programmes. External collaborators include the Council for Geosciences and the Water Research Commission.
