Thesis (LLM. (Management and Development Law)) -- University of Limpopo, 2016 / Previously the concept of ownership has played a role in the development of Minerals right and was regarded as an absolute right of the owner to do what he desired with property. It is nowadays accepted that ownership is not an absolute and unlimited but the concept is still undergoing transformation. Since the enacted of the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act (MPRDA) now vest on the State as the Custodian of all minerals in South Africa. The vesting of the Mineral right does however interfere with the common law right private ownership, and the investor as expressed in the constitution. The term Custodian as used in the Bill is a misnomer, in that the Bill proposes not mere Custodianship, but an actual vesting in the State by giving effect to the universally accepted right of the State to exercise permanent Sovereignty to all minerals resources. The new Mining legislation regime with specific reference Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act and National Environmental Management Act are precisely paced to ensure optimal exploitation of natural resources while promoting sustainable development.

Thesis (M.Dev.) -- University of Limpopo, 2011 / The mining sector in South Africa has enjoyed decades of profiteering and unchecked neglect of developmental needs of surrounding communities. Most of the communities surrounding South African mines are therefore synonymous with social problems that include poverty, poor health, unemployment, adult illiteracy, poor housing, family disorganization and high influx of unaccompanied migrant labour. On the contrary, mining is presented as the paradigm of wealth in particular when dealing with gold and diamond mining, while its marketing conceals its terrible social and environmental consequences. However mining is responsible for such impacts and many others. This study looks at the socio-economic impact of mining on community development in Greater Tubatse Municipal area located in Limpopo Province, South Africa. From the interviews conducted and questionnaires administered to sampled community members and workers of the platinum mine in Greater Tubatse Municipality, it emerged that the existence of mining companies in the area has done little to uplift the lives of the people in terms of socioeconomic development. The study makes recommendations on how the situation can be improved so that the population living in the area can benefit from the work carried out by mining companies.

Thesis (MCom. (Accounting)) -- University of Limpopo, 2014 / This study explored the impact of Environmental Management Practices on firm financial performance through a case study of selected JSE SRI South African mining companies. Previous studies focused more on disclosure or international research but none focused on this impact in JSE SRI South African mining firms hence this study attempted to fill this gap. Using a mixed methods approach, the study examined whether the firms’ carbon emissions, energy usage and water usage had any impact on the firms’ return on equity. The study concluded that Environmental Management Practices did impact firms’ financial performance and offers many opportunities for academia, industry, managers, regulators and society to use these findings as a means for more research into and better understanding of these environmental management practices and their potential benefits to society.