Exploring the challenges associated with the greening of supply chains in the South African manganese and phosphate mining industry

Abstract

As with most mining activities, the mining of manganese and phosphate has serious consequences for the environment. Despite a largely adequate and progressive framework for environmental governance developed since 1994, few mines have integrated systems into their supply chain processes to minimise environmental risks and ensure the achievement of acceptable standards. Indeed, few mines have been able to implement green supply chain management (GrSCM). The purpose of this article was to explore challenges related to the implementation of GrSCM and to provide insight into how GrSCM can be implemented in the South African manganese and phosphate industry. This article reported findings of a qualitative study involving interviews with 12 participants from the manganese and phosphate industry in South Africa. Purposive sampling techniques were used. Emerging from the study were six themes, all of which were identified as key challenges in the implementation of GrSCM in the manganese and phosphate mining industry. From the findings, these challenges include the operationalisation of environmental issues, lack of collaboration and knowledge sharing, proper application of monitoring and control systems,lack of clear policy and legislative direction, the cost of implementing GrSCM practices, and the need for strong leadership and management of change. On the basis of the literature reviewed and empirical findings, conclusions were drawn and policy and management recommendations were accordingly made.

Implementation of Green Supply Chain Management Practices in South African Manufacturing Industry

“…Khushbu and Shah (2014) stated that the lack of advanced technology and resisting to adopt the latest technology can set back implementing GSCM. This statement is supported by Pooe and Mhelembe (2014) as a factor that obstruct successful GSCM implementation. Advanced information technology (IT) systems are required to back up the activities of GSCM in the manufacturing processes (Sithole, 2019).…”

“…Advanced information technology (IT) systems are required to back up the activities of GSCM in the manufacturing processes (Sithole, 2019). According to Pooe and Mhelembe (2014) and Luthra et al (2011), IT systems allow for proper flow of information and tracking of suppliers, materials, flow of production, waste, emissions, distribution, and distribution disposal and recycling of materials. Sithole (2019) mentioned that IT also ensures information sharing and enables integration between supply chain partners.…”

Drivers and barriers to green supply chain management in the South African cement industry

“…There is a considerable amount of literature relating to studies conducted in South Africa (Dos Santos, Svesson & Padin 2013;Mvubu & Naude 2016;Ojo et al 2014;Pooe & Mhelembe 2014;Schoeman & Sanchez 2009) on GSCM implementation in South African industry. The literature reviewed in the South African context covers the construction industry (Ojo et al 2014), transport (Schoeman & Sanchez 2009), retail (Dos Santos et al 2013), logistics (Niemann, Hall & Oliver 2017), mining (Pooe & Mhelembe 2014) and the fastmoving consumer goods industry (Mvubu & Naude 2016).…”

“…Various scholars (Dhull & Narwal 2015;Faisal 2015;Luthra et al 2016;Ojo et al 2014;Pooe & Mhelembe 2014;Wang et al 2016) identified various barriers for the implementation of GSCM, which include the lack of infrastructure, government legislation, organisational factors, high cost and lack of knowledge.…”

“…Failure to create a vibrant awareness drive is generally a huge barrier to the implementation of GSCM. Pooe and Mhelembe (2014), Luthra et al (2011) and Ojo et al (2014) all found top management resistance or lack of support to be a major barrier in the South African, Indian and Nigerian industries, respectively.…”