Question NW2409 to the Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy
19 June 2023 - NW2409
Madokwe, Ms P to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy
Given his familiarity with the history of the Republic and the fact that the majority of those who want to participate in the economy are quite poor, what are the reasons that his department has not addressed the challenges faced by artisanal miners and small-scale miners, such as their inability to reach the provincial offices where they are expected to submit applications and their inability to pay for the necessary environmental licences, by (a) decentralising the application processes and (b) working with the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment?
Reply:
(a). The current system of lodging applications for mining licenses is ELECTRONIC. The DMRE launched an online system, referred to as SAMRAD Online Application System, in 2014 where all applications for mining licenses are lodged. Furthermore, the online system was launched to make it easier for companies and individuals to lodge applications in the comfort of their company offices or homes.
(b). The DMRE through the Small-Scale Mining directorate has been assisting Artisanal Small -Scale Mining (ASM) miners through providing financial provision for rehabilitation to qualifying Historically Disadvantaged South African (HDSA). The environmental licenses are evaluated and granted by the DMRE (Competent Authority) whilst the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (Appeal Authority) deals with objections and appeals of environmental licenses.