scholarly journals The South African coal mining industry: A need for a more efficient and collaborative supply chain

2011 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
David Pooe ◽  
Kenneth Mathu
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Coal Mining ◽  
South African ◽  
Nuclear Power ◽  
Mining Industry ◽  
Secondary Data ◽  
The South ◽  
Coal Mining Industry ◽  
Thermal Coal ◽  
Supply Chain Dynamics

It is estimated that about two-thirds of global coal is used for power generation and that, in the next 20 years, over 70% of the demand for coal will come from China and India. Coal accounts for approximately 41% of the world's electricity generation. Demand for thermal coal is influenced by factors that include availability, prices of competing products such as oil, gas and nuclear power, and the demand for electricity. The aim of this article is to provide an exposition of supply chain dynamics within the South African coal mining industry and to argue for a more efficient and collaborative supply chain. The authors attempt to investigate at local and global level, the current trends pertaining to the level of reserves, production and consumption of coal. The article further demonstrates the shortcomings of current logistics in meeting the demand for coal in both domestic and export markets. The article draws from secondary data sourced from academic papers, government and agency documents in the exposition of the coal mining supply chain. The paper concludes by recommending the need for a scientific study on supply chain constraints facing the coal mining industry in South Africa.

scholarly journals Exploring the challenges associated with the greening of supply chains in the South African manganese and phosphate mining industry

2014 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
R.I. David Pooe ◽  
Khomotso Mhelembe
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
South African ◽  
Environmental Governance ◽  
Mining Industry ◽  
Monitoring And Control ◽  
The South ◽  
Phosphate Mining ◽  
Phosphate Industry ◽  
Management Recommendations ◽  
And Control

As with most mining activities, the mining of manganese and phosphate has serious consequences for the environment. Despite a largely adequate and progressive framework for environmental governance developed since 1994, few mines have integrated systems into their supply chain processes to minimise environmental risks and ensure the achievement of acceptable standards. Indeed, few mines have been able to implement green supply chain management (GrSCM). The purpose of this article was to explore challenges related to the implementation of GrSCM and to provide insight into how GrSCM can be implemented in the South African manganese and phosphate industry. This article reported findings of a qualitative study involving interviews with 12 participants from the manganese and phosphate industry in South Africa. Purposive sampling techniques were used. Emerging from the study were six themes, all of which were identified as key challenges in the implementation of GrSCM in the manganese and phosphate mining industry. From the findings, these challenges include the operationalisation of environmental issues, lack of collaboration and knowledge sharing, proper application of monitoring and control systems,lack of clear policy and legislative direction, the cost of implementing GrSCM practices, and the need for strong leadership and management of change. On the basis of the literature reviewed and empirical findings, conclusions were drawn and policy and management recommendations were accordingly made.

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