Without fair planning, coal mine closures risk increasing socio-economic exclusion and expanding regional inequalities. It can initiate a series of effects from direct job losses to broader ripple impacts on workers, which must be acknowledged. This statement was made at the TIPS meeting held on 5 November 2025. 

Skills development and training for workers and communities: local economic development projects should align with IDPs and LEDs. Measures to mitigate the impacts of mine closure, support re-employment, and allocate financial resources are core commitments and components of SLPs. 

Even with good intentions, SLP Plans face challenges that limit their comprehensive impact.  The issues are present in all three SLP phases, but they are most apparent in the implementation phase. 

SLP provisions differ across mines. Workers encounter challenges and limited participation due to fragmented implementation and isolated initiatives, and contractors are excluded. Delays in SLP activation increase the risk of low-quality, profit-driven external trainers. SLPs experience disruption and uncertainty during changes in mine ownership. The regulator’s monitoring is inadequate, and weak accountability results in unmet SLP commitments. 

Reports from the Mpumalanga Provincial Government and other sources indicate issues with non-compliance and a lack of transparency among some mining companies in implementing their SLPs, making it challenging to ascertain a consolidated total. 

A joint effort with local stakeholders is needed to ensure the region’s community has the skills required for ongoing employment. MCCI is exploring a potential solution for its members.