Johannesburg, October 2026 – South Africa’s mining sector needs clearer evidence that commitments to host communities are being delivered, according to a new report by the Institute for Social Dialogue (ISD).
Social Licence to Operate in Mining: 2026 Report examines public material published between January and October 2026, drawing on more than 130 public sources alongside ISD’s research and community dialogues.
Its central finding is that mining’s social licence has not collapsed, but is being renegotiated under growing pressure. Disputes increasingly concern unfulfilled commitments, mine closure, environmental risks and who remains accountable when operations change hands.
A social licence to operate means the ongoing acceptance of a mining operation by the people it affects. It depends on the quality of relationships, meaningful participation and the delivery of commitments.
The report identifies community benefit delivery as a particular weakness. It highlights concerns about the gap between what Social and Labour Plans promise and what residents experience on the ground.
It also recognises reported improvements in cooperation and stability in parts of the mining sector. However, it cautions that company accounts alone cannot establish whether trust has improved. Community perspectives and independent verification are needed to test those claims.
Mine closure and tailings safety are further priorities. The report calls for communities to receive clear information about closure plans, continuing commitments and potential risks, with opportunities to participate before problems become crises.
ISD recommends practical steps to strengthen trust:
Make Social and Labour Plans and delivery reports publicly accessible in languages communities understand.
Independently verify what was promised and what has been delivered.
Establish ongoing dialogue forums that track commitments, with named responsibilities and deadlines.
Involve communities early in decisions about closure, changes in ownership and tailings emergency preparedness.
The report calls on mining companies, government, municipalities, communities and civil society to build relationships around shared evidence and measurable action.
ISD supports this work through independent research, neutral convening, facilitated dialogue and its Joint Problem Solving Service. Mining companies and community organisations can also engage ISD about an independent Social and Labour Plan audit or facilitated dialogue on delivery and accountability.
To request the report, arrange an interview or discuss its findings, contact info@isd.org.za.
