Information and communication technology and climate change adaptation: Evidence from selected mining companies in South Africa

• Published in: Jamba Vol. 8; no. 3; p. 250
• Main Authors: Aleke, Bartholomew I, Nhamo, Godwell
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: South Africa African Online Scientific Information Systems (Pty) Ltd t/a AOSIS 01.01.2016; AOSIS (Pty) Ltd; AOSIS
• Subjects: adaptation; Climate change; Climatic changes; disaster risk reduction; Environmental aspects; Environmental impact analysis; Floods; Forecasts and trends; ICT; Influence; Innovations; Landslides & mudslides; Management; Mineral industry; mining; Mining industry; Original Research; South Africa; Technology application; South Africa
• ISSN: 1996-1421; 2072-845X; 1996-1421
• DOI: 10.4102/JAMBA.V8I3.250

The mining sector is a significant contributor to the gross domestic product of many global economies. Given the increasing trends in climate-induced disasters and the growing desire to find lasting solutions, information and communication technology (ICT) has been introduced into the climate change adaptation mix. Climate change-induced extreme weather events such as flooding, drought, excessive fog, and cyclones have compounded the environmental challenges faced by the mining sector. This article presents the adoption of ICT innovation as part of the adaptation strategies towards reducing the mining sector's vulnerability and exposure to climate change disaster risks. Document analysis and systematic literature review were adopted as the methodology. Findings from the study reflect how ICT intervention orchestrated changes in communication patterns which are tailored towards the reduction in climate change vulnerability and exposure. The research concludes with a proposition that ICT intervention must be part of the bigger and ongoing climate change adaptation agenda in the mining sector.