Question NW24 to the Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy
30 August 2019 - NW24
Mileham, Mr K to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy
What (a) number of (i) prospecting, (ii) mining, (iii) exploration and (iv) production rights currently issued by his department to various rights holders are (aa) operational, (bb) dormant and (cc) closed down and (b) are the details of each right that is (i) dormant and •(ii) closed down? NW981E
Reply:
(a)(i) Prospecting issued 4372
(ii) Mining rights issued 1316
(iii) Exploration rights Onshore 18 Offshore 17
(iv) Production rights Onshore 01 Offshore 06
(aa) Operational 1174
(bb) Dormant 65
(cc) Closed Down 135
(b)(i) The rights are placed under care and maintenance due to amongst others the prevailing economic conditions, current low demand of commodities and inability to attract investments.
(ii) The right holder will apply for closure in most instances when the resource has been depleted. The right holder must apply for mine closure in terms of the legislation, and upon granting closure certificate, the right cease to exist and the mine is considered effectively closed.
DDG: Mineral Regulations
Date: 18 July 2019
Recommended
Advocate T Mokoena
Director General; Department of Mineral Resources
23 July 2019
Approved
Mr SG Mantashe
Minister of Mineral Resources
Date submitted; 29/08/2019