Mining is a cornerstone of South Africa’s economy. For more than 100 years, it has driven industrial development, created jobs and attracted global investment. Yet structural barriers have limited growth and slowed progress towards inclusion. Broad-based black economic empowerment (B-BBEE) provides a framework to address these imbalances while helping industries, including mining, build competitiveness, resilience and social impact, says mission critical equipment supplier John Crane.

The company’s South African operations have Level 2 B-BBEE certification. John Crane believes this achievement demonstrates that transformation delivers real business and societal value.

“By advancing ownership, skills development and supplier empowerment, the company has aligned its global values with South Africa’s transformation agenda – providing mining customers with engineering excellence and a trusted partner in building a more inclusive future.”

John Crane advances that B-BBEE legislation is more than a regulatory requirement. It is a national strategy to expand economic participation and build a more inclusive future. By rewarding companies that expand opportunities for black South Africans through ownership, skills development and supplier networks, B-BBEE promotes structural change that strengthens business and society.

Transformation is essential for the mining industry. Operations often lie in rural areas where jobs, training and enterprise development can be life- changing. A proactive approach to B-BBEE helps companies build stronger relationships with government bodies, communities and investors while reducing risk. More importantly, it positions mining businesses as active contributors to South Africa’s social and economic transformation, adds the company.

“Some companies still treat B-BBEE as a cost of doing business. However, strong credentials can unlock procurement opportunities, improve access to capital and strengthen bids for government-linked projects. Customers and investors increasingly consider empowerment alongside environmental, social and governance performance when selecting partners.”

John Crane advises that partnering with a Level 1 or Level 2 contributor gives customers added recognition – an especially critical advantage in mining, where procurement represents a major portion of project costs.

Driving Upliftment
People are at the centre of transformation. Mining depends on skilled engineers, operators and technicians, and B-BBEE emphasises training and development. By investing in their workforce, companies create talent pipelines that support long-term capability, the company notes.

“The Youth Employment Service programme is one of the most effective ways for mining companies to contribute to national development. By providing work experience, learnerships and internships, organisations give unemployed youth the skills needed for long-term careers. These initiatives enhance B-BBEE performance and help address the industry’s demand for a diverse, skilled workforce.”

Supplier and enterprise development form another key pillar. Partnering with black-owned small and medium-sized enterprises strengthens supply chains while spreading economic benefits to surrounding communities.

Diversification also increases resilience, reduces reliance on a few large suppliers and encourages innovation. This is in addition to creating opportunities for local communities while helping mining companies operate more sustainably.

Aligning Global Business
South Africa is not unique in pursuing inclusive economic policies. Globally, industries know long-term growth depends on strong relationships with the people and places where they operate, built on fairness, inclusivity and respect.

For global companies in South Africa’s mining sector, B-BBEE offers a clear path to align global values with local action. By embedding empowerment principles into strategy, organisations move beyond compliance to meaningful action, says John Crane.

“Mining faces persistent challenges, from price volatility to power shortages and environmental scrutiny. Transformation will not remove these pressures, but companies build resilience by investing in people, supply chains and communities through B-BBEE.”

B-BBEE applies across South Africa’s economy, but it carries weight in mining, states John Crane.

“It drives competitiveness, fosters inclusive growth and ensures that an industry built on natural resources creates opportunities for its people. Mining companies embracing B-BBEE are more likely to access new opportunities, attract investment and build community trust. Just as significantly, they contribute to a more resilient and equitable economy.”