Mining affects local communities in many ways – socially, environmentally and economically. When mines are constructed local communities benefit from increased employment opportunities. Some locals along with people from further afield that are relocated staff these mines. Mine workers need facilities to live in reasonable comfort and basic services like sanitation, water, schools, housing and hospitals have to be made available to both staff and locals. Although locals benefit from mines being established in many ways, they also suffer the repercussions of their environment being negatively affected with pollution and deforestation. Mining firms reap the benefits of mineral rich land and can often avail of a relatively cheap workforce and not all of these companies remember that locals should be given sustainable compensation and improved living conditions in return. It is the social responsibility of the mining companies to see to this, and this is where Social responsibility – Mining AfricaCSR comes in.
