Mining companies in South Africa face significant challenges, putting the industry at a crossroads. Local mining companies manage unique South African operational complexities while still operating in the context of global pressures. Monitor Deloitte has identified five tough choices that mining executives must face to ensure long-term sustainability. The answers to these questions are not obvious, and require an analytical approach. This paper proposes five tools that can assist mining executives in understanding the issues underlying these questions, and how mining companies can develop integrative strategies to drive sustainable growth.