Uniting against a mining giant: How a rural community in Melmoth, South Africa, bridged class and race to resist Jindal's iron-ore mine for environmental justice

Abstract

Despite existing political ecology research on conflict and resistance, there is a gap of understanding in how class, race, and networking alliances are formed and sustained, and operate effectively. In the context of mining resistance, where communities often consist of diverse socioeconomic and racial groups, the dynamics of collaboration warrant investigation. Additionally, research is necessary on how networks are mobilized and empower residents. This paper concerns an investigation into community strategising and resistance against mining development, focusing on the proposed Jindal mine for iron-ore production in the agricultural region of Melmoth in KwaZulu-Natal. Despite the assistance of external experts who were invited into community spaces, residents maintained control and oversight during the campaign, resulting in success against the initial mining application. Reframing the issue as one of environmental justice ensured that the resistance was not elitist. The findings of the study underscore the importance of combining strategic actions, and class and race solidarity, enhanced by strategic leadership and networking for community empowerment.