Question NW270 to the Minister of Mineral Resources
13 March 2017 - NW270
Schmidt, Adv H to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources
(1) Whether mining permits have been issued for mining activities on the (a) Wintersveld 417 KS, (b) Jagdlust 418 KS and (c) Zeekoeigat 421 KS farms located next to the R37 road between Burgersfort and Polokwane in Limpopo; if not, in each case, is he aware of the illegal mining activities taking place on each of the specified farms; if so, (i) to whom were mining rights issued and (ii) for which minerals respectively; (2) what steps will he take in line with the court order handed down by the Gauteng High Court in case 46483/206 to ensure that (a) he and (b) his department act in accordance with the responsibilities of the State being the custodian of all mineral resources on behalf of the people of South Africa to prevent illegal mining on the specified farms?
Reply:
1. (a)(b)(c)All mining permits (processing of dumps) that were issued over these properties have lapsed, however, two mining rights have been granted and issued respectively.
(i)(ii) Samancor Chrome – granted for Chrome
Lebowa Platinum Mines (Bokoni Platinum Mines) – Issued for All minerals on different reef/seam
2. The Department is working with law enforcement agencies and have also opened cases at the local police station. According to the latest developments, a lot of machineries were confiscated / impounded on site. The Department will continue to work with law enforcement agencies hoping that the perpetrators will be successfully prosecuted. The Department has served notices to most perpetrators as part of administrative enforcement but furthermore opened cases as part of criminal enforcement.
Approved/Not Approved
Mr MJ Zwane, MP
Minister of Mineral Resources
Date Submitted:-……………/………………/2017