Pan-Pacific Conference XXXIV. Designing New Business Models in Developing Economies

conducted in ways that diminishes their influence on
the physical neighbouring location (Coronado &
Fallon, 2010). It also means leaving the mining areas
in a condition that are acceptable and usable for the
future. To this end, mines have involved their
suppliers to reduce the impact on the environment the
mining establishmernts. In response, their suppliers
are developing and using numerous strategies and
technologies that take sustanable mining into account
(Zsolnai, 2011).
Thus, supplier relationships can have a profound
effect on the performance of manufacturing supply
chains (Rao and Holt, 2005; Vachon and Klassen,
2006). Not surprisingly, Carter and Rogers (2008)
recommend that the supplier of raw materials and
components part should to some extent integrate their
sustainability mind-set with the sustainability
practices of the buying firms which the final
customers identify with. The allocation of specific
resources for joint activities to address sustainability
problems is essential in sustainability collaboration.
These collaborative initiatives are usually based on a
high level of knowledge exchange to facilitate both
sustainable products and processes (Vachon &
Klassen, 2006). Sustainability collaboration manifests
itself as the direct involvement of an organization
with its suppliers and customers in planning and
implementing joint environmental solutions (Vachon
& Klassen, 2008). It signifies the company’s
willingness to allocate resource commitments to
address suppliers’ or customers’ sustainability
objectives (Paulraj, 2011). The environmental
collaboration reflects “a good understanding of each
other’s responsibilities and capabilities in regard to
environmental management” (Vachon & Klassen,
2008:301). Environmental collaboration is mostly
concerned with designing both environmentally
sound products and processes than on the short-term
outcomes of the environmental efforts (Vachon &
Klassen, 2008).
Increasingly suppliers perceive the need to
incorporate sustainability into their business practices
(Carter & Easton, 2011). The critics recommends that
the supplier of raw materials and components part
should to some extent integrate their sustainability
mind-set with the sustainability practices of the focal
firms which the final customers identify (Carter &
Rogers 2008).
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
Research approach, selection of participants and
data collection
Since the aim of the present study is exploratory in
nature, it adopted a qualitative research approach. Yin
(2011) states that the researcher in a qualitative
research aims to ascertain a deeper understanding of
the management dilemma and conceptualises ways of
solving them. Mining and Mineral industry.
Participants in this study were selected purposively.
Their selection depended on the judgement,
knowledge and experience of the researchers
(Cresswell & Plano Clark 2011). In this case, they
were selected based on their knowledge of
sustainability and supply chain management,
including an intimate knowledge of the buyer,
namely the mine. For this reason, eleven (11)
respondents were interviewed using semi-structured
interviews. The interviews were successful in
conveying an outcome of the information required.
(Leppelt, 2014). These came from a variety of
suppliers and industries as shown below. After
interviewing the 11 th respondent, there was no need
for further interviews as the data saturation point ad
been reached.
Suppliers
Respondents
Mining Equipment 2
Engineering equipment 2
Mineral Processing 3
equipment
Extraction equipment 2
and technology
Transport 2
Data analysis
The research data was analysed using content
analysis. The aim was to convert recorded ‘raw’
phenomenon into data, which was treated in
essentially a scientific manner so that a body of
knowledge maybe built up (Prasad, 2008). After
collecting all the available data the analysis took
place in which the data collected was analysed to
clarify and refine statements in the research and to
reveal all hidden meanings in the text. In this case
data was grouped into themes using codes. Six
themes emerged from the analysis of the primary
data.
RESULTS
The current study identified a few areas that suppliers
believe they can play a role in the promotion of
sustainability in the mining industry. These are
themes that emerged from the primary data
collection. These include ensuring a going concern;
investing in new technologies; strengthening
collaboration with mines; a search for alternative
sources of energy; pressure to assist the mines to
comply with environmental regulations and
institutionalising the culture of sustainability. These
areas are discussed below.
Ensuring a going concern
The respondents indicated that for them sustainability
means ensuring that their companies will exist for the
next generation and that the business will continue to
grow so that the business continues to add value to
shareholders. A few of them further indicated that
this requires them as suppliers to maintain a positive
image for their companies which in turn means not
harming the environment. One respondent remarked
that this can be seen from some companies trying to
steer away from coal and gas and stick to gold copper
and platinum uranium used for nuclear power plants
which are cleaner than coal.
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