Building Trust, Empowering Communities, and Securing the Social License.

In this episode of The Crucible, host Kabelo Rathobei is joined by Alex Khumalo, Head of Social Performance at the Minerals Council South Africa, for a deep dive into the often-misunderstood concept of the social license to operate (SLO) in the mining sector.

Together, they explore why legal compliance alone is no longer enough, and how mining companies must shift their focus from box-ticking exercises to building genuine, long-term partnerships with host communities. Khumalo discusses the importance of going beyond compliance, the role of government and policy, and why collaboration and economic diversification are key to sustainable development.

Whether you're in mining, policy, or community engagement, this conversation offers valuable insight into the evolving expectations of the mining industry in South Africa. Visit the SAIMM Website