SUSTAINABLE PROCUREMENT IN THE MINING INDUSTRY: A FOCUS ON SADC

The mining industry within the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region plays a pivotal role in the economic development of member states, contributing approximately 20% to the GDP of countries like South Africa, Zambia, and Botswana. However, from July 2020 to June 2024, the sector faced significant challenges related to sustainable procurement practices, leading to environmental degradation and social conflicts. This study explores the current state of sustainable procurement in the SADC mining industry, focusing on the environmental and social impacts, barriers to adoption, and the effectiveness of existing regulatory frameworks. The research identifies key issues such as over-extraction of resources, inadequate waste management, and poor labor conditions, which have led to a 10% reduction in available mineral reserves, a 20% increase in pollution incidents, and a 15% rise in labor grievances. These challenges are exacerbated by weak regulatory enforcement and a lack of transparency, as evidenced by a 30% increase in non-compliance reports from environmental agencies across the region. To address these issues, the study proposes actionable strategies aimed at improving sustainability in mining procurement, including harmonizing regulations across SADC countries, incentivizing sustainable practices through tax benefits, and enhancing transparency through mandatory sustainability reporting. The study also emphasizes the importance of strategic partnerships and community engagement in fostering sustainable procurement. The findings suggest that while progress has been made, particularly in countries like South Africa, Botswana, and Namibia, significant gaps remain in the implementation of sustainable procurement practices across the region. The study concludes by recommending further research into the long-term economic benefits of sustainable procurement and the role of gender in these practices, to ensure that the SADC mining industry can contribute to both economic growth and sustainable development.