Sustainable development is currently an extremely relevant concept worldwide, especially in developing countries like South Africa. Mining and metals companies are also directly affected by the sustainable development agenda. Sustainable development in the mining sector was initially focused on the economic sustainability of the mining companies; with the subsequent pressure from the environmentalists, this concept was extended to include the impact of mining operations on the environment. An example of such a definition is reflected by the following statement: 'Using the economic engine by mining to build an economy that survives and is better off after the end of the mining.' However, this narrow definition has expanded to include political, educational, psychological and. social dimensions. Taking account of this wider perspective of the concept, it can be defined as including social and economic progress, which ensures human development and during which the basic needs of the present are satisfied. Future generations are not compromised by the definition because each generation must use its own capacity to satisfy its needs.
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