For more than a century, South Africa's mining industry has been shaped by the global demand for gold, diamonds, coal and platinum, expanding in response to changing political economies and international markets. Built on a system of cheap and disposable labour, mining became the country's largest industrial sector. Today, South Africa remains globally recognised for the abundance and diversity of its mineral resources, which account for a significant share of the world's production and reserves.

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The mine—irrespective of the mineral extracted—is central to understanding South Africa's social, economic and political history, while reflecting mining realities found across the world. Through this work, I sought to build a visual narrative that gives agency to communities too often overlooked. In doing so, stories of personal suffering are brought to the surface and the enduring legacy of the mine is revealed.

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Its legacy is evident in landscapes rendered unfit for agriculture or conservation, in communities burdened by air, land and water pollution, and in the enduring social consequences of labour exploitation that continue to shape family structures, livelihoods and cultural identity.

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These photographs form part of a larger body of work titled Legacy of the Mine. The project examines the long-term environmental and social consequences of mining while giving voice to those whose lives and livelihoods have been shaped by its processes. It explores the neglect of mining communities by successive governments and corporate interests, documents the resilience of those living in these landscapes, and encourages a deeper understanding of environmental degradation by focusing on its immediate human impact. Travelling the length and breadth of South Africa, I sought to reveal, through the camera, the forgotten communities left in mining's wake.

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Although rooted in South Africa, the project resonates far beyond its borders, revealing issues that are universal: greed, inequality, overconsumption and environmental degradation. Once a symbol of wealth and progress, the mine today reveals the scars of neglect and decay, posing an enduring challenge to both people and the environment.

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Ultimately, I hope this body of work encourages discussion about our shared responsibility towards the environment. We must recognise that the land is as fragile as the people who depend upon it. Economic growth and development remain essential, but they must be pursued with a commitment to balance, dignity and a more sustainable future.

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