What is it about?
This paper plots coal plant retirement and coal mine closures over the next 50 years, showing that premature mine closure is currently unnecessary. It measures SDG indicators for coal mining communities showing very high levels of poverty and unemployment making communities vulnerable to closures. It also looks at whether local municipalities have the capacity to implement just transition policies.
Featured Image
Photo by Bence Balla-Schottner on Unsplash
Why is it important?
There is a strong narrative around the just transition that implies coal mines will be forced to close early, resulting in massive job losses. This study shows that this is not the case, rather coal mines need to keep operating to keep coal plants running and electricity production secure. It is also provides a detailed socio-economic baseline for communities who will be affected by the just transition that is critical for planning in South Africa.
Perspectives
I hope that this paper provides some solid evidence that will support a more nuanced debate on the just transition, and will promote effective support for the most vulnerable communities.
Dr Megan Cole
University of Cape Town
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Assessing coal mine closures and mining community profiles for the just transition' in South Africa, Journal of the Southern African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy, January 2023, Academy of Science of South Africa,
DOI: 10.17159/2411-9717/2689/2023.
You can read the full text:
Contributors
The following have contributed to this page
