Black Economic Empowerment, Corporate Social Responsibility, Historically Disadvantaged South Africans, Mining Charter, Mining Industry, South Africa

The socio-economic divide that characterise the South African society two decades into the new dispensation have not been adequately averted or addressed and, this state of affair has been so glaring within the mining industry. This can arguably be attributed to the infamous migrant labour system, degrading single-hostel system, division of labour along racial lines and discriminatory compensation system. The involvement and role of labour unions has also come under some intense scrutiny as a vehicle of influencing policy direction on mining operations and their social responsibility on communities surrounding their area of operations. In the efforts of redeeming their chequered history, mining companies have embraced some aspects of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) on the one hand, and on the other, the state (through the Department of Mineral Resources), in consultations with all other stakeholders made a commitment through Mining Charter, to alleviate the injustices of the past. This paper provides an assessment of the progress thus far made in pursuit of responsible business practices. Firstly; the notion of CSR as a discourse and its understanding within the mining industry will be explored, Secondly; a brief overview of the historical and policy context of the South African socio-economic background. Thirdly; reflections on the mining charter as a framework for responsible business within the mining industry. Lastly; an analysis of the progress achieved and conclud