Background and aim: This article aims to explore stakeholders’ views on the potential effects of modernising hard rock mines in South Africa. Methods: This objective was achieved through eliciting and bringing together the views of different stakeholders. Different stakeholders were interviewed using qualitative research methodologies. The sample demographics were fairly representative and ranged from operators to executives and from employee to employer representatives. The main form of data collection was one-on-one face-to-face interviews. Results: One of the major findings of this research is that stakeholders have different levels of understanding of mechanisation and modernisation. The levels of understanding were found to be proportional to the levels of education. Conclusion: There seems to be general support for mechanisation and modernisation among the participants. The identified socio-economic challenges and benefits were relatively similar and aligned among participants. The main difference, however, pertained to the depth and scope of the problem or opportunity as perceived by different participants. Interviewees were also unanimous in identifying the social-economic benefits of mechanisation; these were in line with those identified in the literature, namely benefits in occupational health and safety issues, efficiency, costs and improved life of mines. Furthermore, participants viewed mechanisation and modernisation as an opportunity to reskill themselves and to improve operations and quality of life. More importantly, stakeholders seemed to share a common vision and interest of the future; as such, they were able to see beyond their constituencies and interests.

中文翻译：

---

机械化和/或现代化南非硬岩矿的社会经济影响

背景和目的：本文旨在探讨利益相关者对南非硬岩矿山现代化的潜在影响的观点。方法：该目标是通过征集和汇集不同利益相关者的意见而实现的。使用定性研究方法对不同的利益相关者进行了采访。样本人口统计学具有代表性，从运营商到主管，从雇员到雇主代表不等。数据收集的主要形式是一对一的面对面访谈。结果：这项研究的主要发现之一是利益相关者对机械化和现代化的理解程度不同。发现理解水平与教育水平成正比。结论：与会者似乎普遍支持机械化和现代化。所确定的社会经济挑战和利益相对相似，并且参与者之间保持一致。然而，主要区别在于问题或机会的深度和范围，不同参与者对此有看法。受访者在确定机械化的社会经济利益方面也一致；这些与文献中确定的相符，即在职业健康和安全问题上的收益，效率，成本和改善的地雷寿命。此外，与会人员将机械化和现代化视为重塑自我，改善运营和生活质量的机会。更重要的是，利益相关者似乎有着共同的愿景和对未来的兴趣。因此，