Minelife - Making a sustainable difference in Africa

Our Aims and Objectives

Minelife is unique in the private sector because it goes against the grain of established business practice in that companies who are effectively competitors are collaborating on the social development agenda. We know that there is no alternative if we want to have a meaningful impact. The upside for the donors is a financially accountable, responsible partner representing a significant number of beneficiaries, a single point of reference and contact, considerable experience in social development with an existing understanding of communities in remote areas of high vulnerability, as well as direct engagement with industry.

The MineLife Alliance has a unique funding strategy, structured to ensure the transfer of all donated funds directly into projects. Moreover, the Alliance members are publicly listed companies subject to audit, financial transparency and shareholder scrutiny. These companies implement and manage their own social investment projects and have over the years built up considerable skills in this field, together with associated capacities. Finances are handled by appropriately appointed and structured not-for-profit foundations, engineers handle construction and day-to-day roll out of projects, according to professionally generated business plans. Most importantly, these projects are, as a matter of course, audited as part of the activities of publicly quoted companies – and held to the same rigorous standards.

The members of the Minelife Alliance have invested huge amounts of capital into extended commercial operations. Their exposure to specific geographical areas is generational, measured in decades, rendering them ideal conduits for delivery of long-term social development projects, which are more likely to be sustainable. Furthermore the technical expertise with respect to project roll out is permanently on the ground and present in the communities, offering professional continuity and a profound understanding of community needs.