Mining companies' role in sustainable development: The 'why' and 'how' of corporate social responsibility from a business perspective

This article - the first in a pair of articles on corporate social responsibility (CSR) - provides an overview of mining companies' role in sustainable development, from a business perspective and in the South African context. It argues that companies' social and environmental responsibilities are increasing, due to global changes in the way the role of business is perceived, South African policy developments, as well as a strong 'business case' for companies to actively support sustainable development - beyond philanthropy and impact mitigation. Partnerships between companies, the government and civil society are introduced as a potentially effective and efficient strategy for CSR. They are no panacea, however, and require a commitment to local communities' rights to informed prior consent and authentic participation. CSR hence presents mining companies with significant challenges. Given committed leadership and the right approach, it can entail important opportunities as well. Particular attention will need to be given to potential tensions between the international debate surrounding CSR, on the one hand, and local South African development challenges and companies' responses to them, on the other.