Coal mining giant Glencore has found an answer, which if replicated across developing nations, could have an ever-lasting sustainable impact on communities.
Glencore partnered with Melbourne-based firm Business for Development which assists mining and resources companies to develop strong community relations in regions they operate.
Glencore and Business for Development teamed up with the International Council on Mining and Metals, Impact Catalyst, Umsimbithi Mining, and the South Africa Mine Water Coordinating Body for a pilot project.
The venture aimed to address uncertainty for communities after Glencore rehabilitated its Wonderfontein coal mine.
The pilot project to come out of the collaboration is called Mpumalanga Winter Wheat and was launched in April this year.
It involved trialing wheat crops across the rehabilitated mine site, which ensured food security and added farm-based employment with local communities.
The pilot is being run until January and is supporting 14,300 smallholder farming families, more than 57,000 people living in the Mpumalanga region.
The success of the project is now being observed.
"Mine closure has evolved from an ecocentric viewpoint to a holistic approach which integrates environmental, social and economic factors," Wonderfontein mine general manager Thato Gama said.
"This project will offer us invaluable insights in terms of alternative post-closure land uses and the opportunity to create viable economic and employment opportunities once upscaled.
"This can sustain the livelihoods and wellbeing of our communities well beyond mine closure."
Glencore hopes the pilot can pave a path for its mines in the Mpumalanga province.
The venture will share operational findings with the South African government with a view to replicate the success elsewhere.
Mining accounts for nearly 30% of Mpumalanga's GDP. It is hoped agricultural industries such as wheat production could improve the economic prosperity of the region.
One key challenge identified by the venture so far, is the distribution and marketing of wheat from the province.
If successful, this pilot could pave the way for mining companies in other developing nations.
