Contracting, complexity and control: An overview of the changing nature ofsubcontracting in the South African mining industry

The aim of this paper is to provide an overview of existing forms of subcon tracting in the south African mining industry. A descriptive framework is d eveloped to understand different subcontracting arrangements. We argue that , in order to do so, it is important: to distinguish between labour broking and gang subcontracting. Data resulting from a research project (including an analysis of historical sources, interviews with contractors and focus group interviews with minew orkers) is presented to highlight the implications of changing formations o f subcontracting for the South African mining industry In the late 1990s. Apart from the subcontracting of 'traditional' functions, such as shaft sin king, access development, catering and hostel maintenance, contractors are now used in 'core' mining activities. In some instances, whole shafts are ' outsourced' to outside agencies. It is argued that certain of the subcontracting arrangements have serious i mplications for the ability of the mining industry to improve health and sa fety standards. Some of the practices can potentially result in conflict be tween different categories of workers, and, as a result, instability in the industry.