Question NW1418 to the Minister of Mineral Resources

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11 August 2016 - NW1418

Profile picture: Lorimer, Mr JR

Lorimer, Mr JR to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources

(1) (a) Why was the mining permit issued to the successful land claimants of the Khanyisa community near Wolmaransstad in the North West withdrawn by his department and (b) to whom was the specified permit subsequently issued; (2) whether the specified permit has changed hands since it was reissued after being taken away from the Khanyisa community; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (a) on what dates were such changes made and (b) what are the further relevant details in this regard; (3) (a) who currently holds the specified mining permit and (b) what is the estimated value of all diamonds mined on the specified community’s land since it lost the specified mining permit; (4) (a) what was the reason for stopping mining on the specified community’s land in February 2016 and (b) what are the full details of the rectification work that was done, which enabled mining to begin on 25 April 2016 again; (5) where are the officials based who (a) stopped operations on the specified community’s land and (b) allowed operations to recommence in April 2016? NW1566E

Reply:

(1)(a) The Mining Permit was never withdrawn but operations suspended due to non compliance with the terms and conditions of the consent granted and disputes that were unresolved in the community.

(b) A Mining Right was issued to Oersonskraal Mining (Pty) Ltd.

(2) Please see (1)(a) above

(3)(a) The current holder of the right is Oersonskraal Mining (Pty) Limited. The relevant Communal Property Association has a 15% shareholding in this company.

(b) The value has not been determined yet. The value of the diamonds can only be determined through a physical inspection/valuation of the diamonds according to the three C’s (Colour, clarity and carats of the diamond).

(4)(a)(b)The Department has not issued any administrative notice to suspend any operations on the relevant land during 2016.

(5) No official from the Department stopped operations on the specified community land.

Approved/not approved

Mr MJ Zwane, MP

Minister of Mineral Resources

Date Submitted:-………………/………………/2016

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