Abstract
The global mining sector, while economically significant, often displaces communities, causing severe environmental, social, and cultural impacts. In South Africa, where mining is a crucial economic driver, regulatory tools such as the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act (MPRDA) and Social and Labour Plans (SLPs) aim to mitigate these effects and encourage sustainable development. However, a major gap remains in evaluating the long-term efficacy of livelihood restoration programs for resettled mining communities. This research investigates the sustainability and success of livelihood restoration strategies in South African mining regions. Using a qualitative methodology grounded in an interpretivist paradigm, data were gathered via semi-structured interviews with seven community leaders and activists from mining-affected areas in Gauteng, Limpopo, and Mpumalanga. Thematic analysis performed with ATLAS.ti software revealed important findings. Participants reported that resettlement shattered livelihoods via productive land loss, reduced agricultural output, and eroded social networks and cultural bonds. While mining firms provided compensation, housing, and skills training, these interventions were generally disjointed, temporary, and did not adequately replace pre-relocation living standards. A common theme was poor governance and participatory systems; decisions were frequently top-down, with little community consultation, creating a sense of injustice and marginalising vulnerable groups like women and youth. The study concludes that current livelihood restoration initiatives fail to ensure long-term socioeconomic sustainability. Their limited success results from a compliance-driven model that emphasises physical relocation over holistic livelihood recovery. This research advocates for a paradigm shift toward integrated, participatory, and context-specific approaches. Sustainable restoration requires robust governance that ensures transparency, genuine community engagement throughout all phases, and a dedicated focus on livelihood diversification and community asset-building to secure resilience after mine closure.