Question NW1739 to the Minister of Mineral Resources
26 July 2018 - NW1739
Esterhuizen, Mr JA to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources
In light of the fact that mining is an industry with long-time horizons that require mining companies to project decades ahead when making adjustments (details furnished), what is the reason for the continued delay in the promulgation of key minerals legislation?
Reply:
The key reason for delay of the finalisation of Mining Charter, 2018 was to allow the mining industry stakeholders to reengage in an inclusive and meaningful discussion on issues of divergence to find a lasting solution. As a result, the Department of Mineral Resources has engaged extensively and meaningfully with all mining industry’s stakeholders, which was followed by community consultations led by Minister of Mineral Resources across all nine (9) provinces. The department has gazetted draft Mining Charter, 2018 on Friday, 15th June 2018 for public comments.
The Mineral and Petroleum Development Amendment Bill is currently going through the parliamentary process, and it is therefore out of the department’s influence. However, it is noteworthy to indicate that the National Council of Provinces has accepted the draft Bill and Provincial Legislatures are expected to provide their final mandates.