Abstract
Worldwide, the socioeconomic contribution of the mining industry cannot be underestimated. The mining industry significantly contributes to economic growth of numerous low and middle-income nations, such as South Africa. However, for the mining industry to survive, it requires a reliable energy or power supply. Thus, due to a decline in high-grade resources and an increase in the demand for raw materials, energy is required to generate the necessary components. In South Africa, Eskom is the sole enterprise that supplies electricity to all industries, including mining. Unfortunately, Eskom struggles to meet electricity demand, leading to the introduction of load shedding in 2015, negatively impacting mining operations, leading to revenue loss, decline in growth, and sustainability. Against this background, this current study investigated load shedding impact on revenue, growth and sustainability of a mining company located in the Brits area. The study adopted a qualitative Issue 1/2025 337 approach to analyse the participants' perceptions of the subject matter. A purposive sampling technique was utilised to select participants, who have sufficient experience and knowledge of the effects of loadshedding on the mining company's revenue, growth and sustainability. Data was obtained from 10 participants via one-on-one semi-structured interviews and analysed using the thematic analysis to catalogue, arrange, and report on the emergent themes that emanated from the data. The study's findings exposed that loadshedding has indeed affected the revenue, growth and sustainability of the mining company, since it has resulted to loss of income, job destruction, project delays, and discontinuation of operations. In a nutshell, his study is a step forward toward understanding how loadshedding adversely affects the revenue, growth, and sustainability of mining companies in South Africa. Stemming from findings, the study recommends that Eskom should partner with the private sector, including the mining industry, to invest in renewable energy to help mitigate the energy crisis. Moreover, the mining industry should avoid overreliance on Eskom and invest in alternative energy sources to ensure the continuity of mining operations.