Abstract
Growing pressures from various players such as governments, non-governmental organizations, and
customers have impelled business corporations to address the economic, environmental, and social issues
associated with their supply chain activities. Consequently, the concept of sustainability has become a
buzzword among scholars and industry practitioners. Although, the concept of sustainability is attaining
high level of importance in Europe, America, and Asia due to its ability of ensuring environmental
sustainability, in Africa the integration and application of sustainability’s concept is facing several
challenges. To date, several studies were conducted to investigate the barriers affecting sustainability
practices in mining sector at country’s level. However, an investigative study regarding the barriers of
sustainability practices in mining sector of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), which
involve fifteen African countries is missing, this paper aims at filling this gap. The data were collected
through a quantitative approach. At least 1 423 participants were involved in the survey. The findings
revealed that the major barriers blocking the development of Sustainable Supply Chain in mining industry
of SADC region include Lack of commitment on environmental deterioration, lack of communication and
knowledge sharing, Ineffective monitoring and control system, lack of effective policy and legislation
direction, high cost associated with the implementation of SSCM, Poor Supplier Commitment, lack of green
practitioners, poor senior managements’ commitment, lack of recycling activities. Lack of Political
commitment and support, Lack of managerial support and practical tools, and inadequate individual
capacity.