Overview

This book results from a decade of in-depth research on the complexities of Zama Zama mining in South Africa, which has become a pressing issue of late. It critiques the overly simplistic portrayal of the miners negatively and as illegal immigrants. Through a sociological lens, this book explores the broader socio-economic conditions, the profound impact of South Africa’s mining history, particularly the migrant labor system, on today’s Zama Zama miners, and the role of women in the sector. This book is not just about mining; it interrogates issues around language, poverty, and power. It challenges dominant societal narratives and examines how labels can further marginalize vulnerable groups. Inspired by the works of Pierre Bourdieu and Michel Foucault on classification and language, the book questions who holds the power to label and shape mainstream discourses. Amplifying the voices of the Zama Zamas themselves, the book transforms the conversation around Zama Zama mining in South Africa and beyond, providing fresh insights into this complex and marginalized sector. This book is more than an original and insightful study on informal mining – it offers practical initiatives for businesses, government, and civil society to engage with and address this marginalized sector more sustainably.

Full Product Details

9783031827822

Table of Contents

Reviews

“A clear strength of the book is its ambition: it devotes entire chapters and even sections to a range of issues that often sit on the periphery in other studies. … this book puts significant original fieldwork and narratives of small-scale miners themselves in South Africa in the public domain. ... Finally, it gives voice to marginalised communities themselves, showing the myriad ways in which small-scale miners demonstrate agency, resilience and innovation in the face of danger, risk and persecution.” (Zaheera Jinnah, Canadian Journal of African Studies, February 9, 2026)

Author Information

Dr. Vidette Bester has made significant contributions to the field of artisanal mining in South Africa. With a doctorate in Sociology, her work explores the socio-economic drivers of artisanal mining, the role of mining companies in the sector, and the impact on miners' health and safety. She has delved into gender dynamics within artisanal mining, highlighting the unique challenges faced by women in this sector. Dr. Bester is an advisor to mining companies, and she has developed a comprehensive framework to address artisanal mining in the South African context, aiming to improve working conditions, safety, and the socio-economic benefits for historically disadvantaged communities. Her work advocates for more sustainable and proactive approaches to address the issues associated with artisanal mining rather than relying solely on policing and criminalization. She is a research associate in the Sociology Department at the University of Johannesburg, South Africa.

Tab Content 6

Countries Available