Metals in South Africa

What is happening?

The South African mining sector plays a crucial role in the international energy transition. The country produces key critical minerals such as chromium, manganese, platinum, titanium and vanadium. These raw materials are of great economic value, but the miners and their communities do not benefit from this prosperity. Their circumstances are extremely problematic:

• hazardous working conditions and major safety risks
• low wages and constant job insecurity
• restrictions on trade union freedom and social dialogue
• gender inequality, including serious sexual harassment
• exposure to harmful substances posing health risks
• environmental pollution, water contamination and problems with tailings dams

At least 60 per cent of miners are wage earners. Women, young people and migrant workers are among the most vulnerable groups in the sector. Yet it is precisely their perspectives and safety that are often overlooked in policy and business operations. A just energy transition can only be achieved if the rights and safety of these workers are also taken into account.

Our approach

1. Research and transparency

2. Improving working conditions

Together with local trade unions, we advocate for safe working conditions, stricter safety measures and better protection for workers involved in hazardous production processes. In doing so, we focus specifically on the risks associated with exposure to harmful substances and industrial accidents.

3. Stronger trade unions and social dialogue

CNV Internationaal supports trade unions in their efforts to highlight violations of labour rights and to negotiate better working conditions. Through capacity-building and training, we strengthen their position in consultations with companies and the government.

4. Focus on gender and vulnerable groups

We are specifically committed to promoting the rights and safety of women in the mining sector, where sexual harassment and exclusion are rife. Through training, gender analyses and support for women’s networks, we are working to create inclusive and safe sectors in which everyone can have a say.

5. International cooperation for a just energy transition

CNV Internationaal is bringing the findings from South Africa to the attention of European governments, companies and investors. In this way, we are working to create supply chains in which not only the raw materials are sustainable, but the working conditions are too.

Our impact

• greater visibility of labour rights violations in the mining sector
• a stronger position for trade unions in negotiations
• growing focus on gender and safety
• involvement of international supply chain partners in improvement initiatives
• concrete steps towards safer workplaces and better working conditions
• enhanced dialogue between trade unions, companies and the government