Question NW2857 to the Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy
11 January 2022 - NW2857
Madokwe, Ms P to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy
In light of the fact that at the beginning of this term, a discussion was held between his department, the Portfolio Committee on Mineral Resources and Energy and various stakeholders on the failure of his department to issue mining licences, what are the (a) details of the progress made on the issuing of mining licences to date and (b) challenges that have been experienced that resulted in a backlog? NW3377E
Reply:
- Significant progress has been made in the adjudication of mining licence applications since the beginning of the last calendar year. A total of One Thousand and Eleven (1011) prospecting right applications were finalised and Two Hundred and Seven (207) mining right applications were finalised. In addition, 96 Social and Labour plans were finalised.
- The Challenges experienced included the inordinate number of appeals that accompany each application. In addition, the delays in filling of vacancies exacerbated the situation.