Tag: environmental degradation

Mining is a historically linear process – we take materials from the earth, make products from them and eventually throw them away as waste. With the intensification of climate change, environmental degradation, pollution – all products of linear economies – the mining industry needs to transition to a circular economy.

The concept of sustainability is considered differently for developing countries versus developed countries. Developed economies tend to look at sustainability with a significant focus towards environmental impact and preservation. In contrast, developing countries consider sustainability from a socio-economic perspective, which includes infrastructure-related challenges, for example.

The insurance industry is still in its infancy when it comes to most environmental, social and governance (ESG) concerns. While there’s much work to be done, I believe the two are a marriage made to last for insurance to meet its mandate to make a meaningful contribution in people’s lives.

Illegal mining is a critical challenge in the South African mining and minerals industry. The South African government previously recognised the potential of small scale mining operations to increase the portfolio of minerals being produced and possibly lead to the exploitation of resources that would otherwise be sterilised.

As the global population continues to increase, waste generation is threatening biodiversity and the planet as a whole. With the global population expected to significantly exceed nine billion people by 2050, of which some 2.5 billion will be living on the African continent, biodiversity is shrinking, even as the waste generated by billions of people grows exponentially.

Have COVID-19 changed world views or will we have forgotten about everything in six months? Before 2020 when you heard the word virus you immediately thought of the damage this could do to your computer. Losing data was the worst outcome you could think of. Until COVID-19 hit, changing the world and the way we think.

Eye on the Gold includes a superb history of the gold rush in South Africa, and the pivotal roles played by Cecil Rhodes, Joseph Robinson, John Hays Hammond, Britain, the Oppenheimers and Anglo-American in shaping the future of South Africa. And all the time, the sale of armaments, wars and associated corruption lurk.