It is not only the South African mining industry that is faced with the dilemma of growing or mowing. Other mining jurisdictions with memories of past ups and downs are faced with a similar dilemma, but not the same dilemma. In South Africa, the main worries – legislation and corruption – are self-inflicted. In other jurisdictions, it is the kind of new boom – driven by policy and geographic tension – that needs scrutiny. For South Africa, competitive and corruption-busting legislation will do the trick of encouraging growth and lack of confidence around those two issues will persuade mining companies to mow rather than grow.