Seven NGOs have submitted a report to the UN Human Rights Council, on threats to human rights from mining and coal-fired power production in South Africa, ahead South Africa's Universal Periodic Review (UPR). They called on the Human Rights Council to recommend the government prohibit mining or the use of practices that may violate human rights or cause substantial harm to the environment on which communities depend. The NGOs are; Centre for Environmental Rights, Centre for Applied Legal Studies, groundWork, South Durban Community Environmental Alliance, Vaal Environmental Justice Alliance, Highveld Environmental Justice Network and Earthjustice. The NGOs proffered recommendations aimed at improving transparency in the mining sector, holding mining companies accountable for harmful activities and protection of community-defenders opposing mines from harassment and violence among others.

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