Miners worry about South Africa’s lagging transition, looming electricity cost increases

South Africa is far behind in its work to transition to a carbon-neutral energy system by 2050, and the significant proposed electricity tariff increases being sought by State-owned Eskom could lead to some businesses and industrial hubs being closed down, mining companies have warned. The companies have pointed out during discussions at this year’s Joburg Indaba that Eskom’s current proposed 36% increase in electricity tariffs is several times greater than inflation.