Questions and Replies

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24 February 2023 - NW66

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Mileham, Mr K to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy

(a) What total volume of diesel did (i) PetroSA and (ii) the Strategic Fuel Fund (SFF) procure for wholesale purposes in each month of 2022 and (b) in each case, (i) who did they purchase the diesel from, (ii) how much diesel was purchased, (iii) how much diesel was sold to Eskom and (iv) what markup did (aa) PetroSA and (bb) the SFF put on the diesel that was sold to Eskom?

Reply:

SFF Reply:

Strategic Fuel Fund (SFF) never bought and/or sold diesel in 2022.

PetroSA Reply:

a) What total volume of diesel did

(i) PetroSA procure for wholesale purposes in each month of 2022

This is commercially sensitive information which cannot be disclosed in the public domain as it may end up in the hands of PetroSA’s competitors. This relates to PetroSA’s market share which is commercially sensitive information.

b) in each case, (i) who did they purchase the diesel from,

In terms of the confidentiality provisions contained in the agreements with the Suppliers, providing the information would be a breach of such confidentiality provisions.

(ii) how much diesel was purchased

See response in a) (i) above

(iii) how much diesel was sold to Eskom

As already alluded in a) (i) above, it is not in PetroSA’s interest to disclose information pertaining to its volumes as it is commercially sensitive information because it relates to PetroSA’s share in the market..

(iv) what markup did (aa) PetroSA put on the diesel that was sold to Eskom?

This is commercially sensitive information as it relates to PetroSA’s competitive margin in the market.

 

24 February 2023 - NW16

Profile picture: Van Dyk, Ms V

Van Dyk, Ms V to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy

Whether, with regard to the takeover of the management contract from Kernel Resources Proprietary Limited, owned by Mr Christopher Kimber and Mrs Nathiera Kimber, related to West Coast Resources (WCR) that is in business rescue at Koingnaas, wherein Government also apparently holds a 20% stake, he will provide Mrs V van Dyk with a copy of the (a) court order relating to the business rescue of WCR and (b) management contract between WCR and Kernel Resources Proprietary Limited; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

Reply:

The Mine is under business rescue, which is administered in terms of the Companies Act, 2008. The requested documents can be duly obtained from the Business Rescue Practitioners.

24 February 2023 - NW18

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Van Dyk, Ms V to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy

(1) Whether, with regard to the takeover of the management contract from Kernel Resources Proprietary Limited, owned by Mr Christopher Kimber and Mrs Nathiera Kimber, related to West Coast Resources (WCR) that is in business rescue at Koingnaas, wherein Government also apparently holds a 20% stake, (a) Main Street 1252 (PTY) Ltd, Reg no: 2014/064647/07, is a state-owned enterprise; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details; (2) whether Main Street 1252 (PTY) Ltd holds shares in WCR; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details; (3) who are the directors of Main Street 1252 (PTY) Ltd?

Reply:

  1. Main Street is not a state-owned entity, but a Special purpose vehicle created to hold shares that would eventually be transferred to the State
  2. Yes, it holds 20% shares
  3. Main street shares are held by De beers group Services and Kerspuy, Daryl Charles as active directors

24 February 2023 - NW54

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Mileham, Mr K to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy

With regard to each project that was rejected as a preferred bidder in the Bid Window 6 of the Renewable Independent Power Producer Programme, (a) where was the project located, (b) what was the source of generation and (c) what were the detailed reasons for the rejection of the bid?

Reply:

With regard to (a), (b) and (c)

a) The projects were in Eastern and Western Cape supply areas.( Attached, see list))

b) 16 wind projects amounting up to the allocated 3200MW were not appointed.

c) The projects were not appointed because there was no grid capacity.

 

LIST OF AFFECTED ONSHORE WIND PROJECTS,

RENEWABLE ENERGY IPP PROCUREMENT BID WINDOW 6

Rank

Bid ID

Capacity (MW)

Province

Latitude

Longitude

1

RE_OW_0166_002

153.00

Northern Cape

- 32.7181

20.7494

2

RE_OW_0166_001

140.00

Western Cape

- 32.9756

20.6339

3

RE_OW_0052_020

238.00

Western Cape

- 31.7542

22.3950

4

RE_OW_0052_021

238.00

Western Cape

- 31.8103

22.4672

5

RE_OW_0052_022

238.00

Western Cape

- 31.8942

22.4319

6

RE_OW_0165_003

240.00

Western Cape

- 32.7639

20.8472

7

RE_OW_0165_004

240.00

Western Cape

- 32.7294

21.0306

8

RE_OW_0165_006

240.00

Eastern Cape

- 31.4881

26.3839

9

RE_OW_0026_003

123.90

Western Cape

- 33.4884

19.2107

10

RE_OW_0037_013

140.00

Eastern Cape

- 32.6862

28.2290

11

RE_OW_0166_006

140.00

Eastern Cape

- 32.8144

25.9044

12

RE_OW_0165_005

212.40

Eastern Cape

- 31.4531

26.4461

13

RE_OW_0035_004

205.80

Western Cape

- 32.5025

22.4806

14

RE_OW_0035_005

205.80

Western Cape

- 32.5025

22.4806

15

RE_OW_0037_018

225.00

Western Cape

- 32.9604

22.6657

16

RE_OW_0037_017

162.00

Western Cape

- 32.9077

22.6432

24 February 2023 - NW214

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Herron, Mr BN to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy

(1)Whether, following the Just Energy Transmission Programme’s (JETP) investment into the Republic and the announcement that a partnership has been formed between the Government and Cape Peninsula University of Technology with the intention of retraining workers who operated in coal powered plants to be able to operate in renewable replacements, his department has plans to replicate the project nationwide as we begin the transition in line with JETP’s standards; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (2) (a) what total number of employees have been successfully and/or projected to be retrained since the deal’s conception and (b) with one of three pillars in the JETP agreement being the coal renewable energy shift, how does his department intend to achieve this with the support of affected communities?

Reply:

This is partnership between Eskom and Cape Peninsula University of Technology. The details on the partnership can be best responded to by Eskom.

24 February 2023 - NW306

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Msimang, Prof CT to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy

(1)Considering the context of the energy crisis in the Republic, what are the reasons that the Government remains committed to contracts that lock the Republic into providing electricity to (a) Botswana, (b) Namibia and (c) Mozambique; (2) what are the relevant details of the terms of the specified contracts; (3) whether, due to the impossibility of performance, there is the potential of reselling from the specified commitments due to the supervening impossibility of performance; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

Reply:

The contract between Eskom and Entities in Botswana, Namibia and Mozambique are commercial arrangements as part of regional trading. Details on the contracts can be best addressed by Eskom.

24 February 2023 - NW233

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Van Dyk, Ms V to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy

Whether he will furnish Mrs V van Dyk with a copy of the new management agreement between Anolascore and the Business Rescue Practitioner, regarding the takeover of the management contract from Kernel Resources Proprietary Limited, owned by Mr Christopher and Mrs Nathiera Kimber, related to the West Coast Resources that is in business rescue at Koingnaas, where Government also apparently holds a 20% stake; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

Reply:

The mine is under Business rescue, which is administered in terms of the Companies Act, 2008.

Details of management agreement and all other related information can be obtained, in terms of the provisions of the Companies Act, from the Business Rescue Practitionsers.

22 February 2023 - NW132

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Msimang, Prof CT to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy

Whether, with the unexpected breakdowns which further reduce generation capacity in this time of crisis, his department has implemented plans to increase and improve the monitoring of generation units in order to mitigate potential future breakdowns; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

Reply:

The monitoring of generation units is an operation matter that falls within the purview of the Eskom. The reports on plant performance are regularly tabled at the National Crisis Committee wherein we participate.

22 February 2023 - NW135

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Singh, Mr N to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy

In light of the fact that under Bid Window 6 Eskom did not have any grid capacity to connect any of the proposed onshore wind projects, and with regard to his undertaking that he was engaging with Eskom to find ways around these grid challenges, what are the details of (a) how he has engaged with the challenges and (b) the plans and time frames to rectify the issues?

Reply:

a) The engagements between Eskom and DMRE have culminated into a revised framework that seeks to mitigate the challenges as arisen with Bid Window 6 procurement that led to contracting less Mega Watts than been anticipated.

b) The upcoming Bid window 7 will apply this new framework designed to mitigate against grid constrains to achieve optimal sourcing of additional Mega Watts into the grid.

22 February 2023 - NW133

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Singh, Mr N to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy

What are the full details of the (a) progress made regarding the (i) 13 additional projects under Bid Window 5 of the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Programme (REIPPP) and (ii) preferred bidders appointed under Bid Window 6 of the REIPPP that he announced in December 2022 and (b) appointment processes of the bidders?

Reply:

(a)

i) The 13 additional projects which signed project agreements in December 2022 are preparing for Commercial Close, which is planned to take place no later than end of March 2023 which will then lead to construction.

ii) BW 6 Projects announced on the 8th of December 2022, are preparing for signing Project Agreements no later than April 2023, which will then followed by Commercial Close which will lead to construction.

(b)

The process of appointing Preferred Bidders is as follows:

The bidders submit their proposals in response to the Request for Proposal (RFP), as issued by the Department.

Preferred Bidders then emerge from a competitive evaluation process specified in the RFP. The criteria include inter-alia, price, economic development, technical compliance and legal compliance.

 

22 February 2023 - NW131

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Msimang, Prof CT to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy

Whether, in view of the fact that a draft Integrated Energy Plan has been in the works since 2016, he will furnish Prof C T Msimang with the reasons for the delay in implementing section 6 of the National Energy Act, Act 34 of 2008; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

Reply:

The Integrated Energy Plan (IEP) must reflect sector plans i.e Electricity Master Plan (EMP), Gas Master Plan (GMP) and Liquid Fuels Master Plan (LFMP). For this reason, sector plans are currently being developed and will inform the IEP. Once sector plans are complete, work to bring section 6 of the Act into operation will commence with developing the Integrated Energy Plan.

22 February 2023 - NW186

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Engelbrecht, Mr J to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy

What are the details of the (a) make, (b) model, (c) year of manufacture, (d) cost and (e) purchase date of all the official vehicles purchased for (i) him and (ii) the former Minister and (iii) the Deputy Ministers and the (iv) former Deputy Ministers of his department since 1 June 2019?

Reply:

No vehicles were purchased since 1 June 2019.

22 February 2023 - NW137

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Buthelezi, Mr EM to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy

Whether his department, considering the difficulties surrounding electricity generation in the Republic, is considering a possible entry of Independent Power Producers to provide the services and assist the overwhelmed Eskom in electricity generation; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what enabling measures will his department implement to ensure a regulatory environment that promotes adequate safety standards, healthy competition, strong anti-exploitation laws and robust oversight?

Reply:

The Independent Power Producers are already generating and supplying energy into the South African grid. They carry their operations in line with the prevailing regulatory mechanism.

23 December 2022 - NW4651

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Lorimer, Mr JR to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy:

(a) How much geological mapping has the Council for Geoscience conducted in each of the past three years, (b) what are the details of the (i) precise area and (ii) type of mapping that was completed, (c)(i) where and (ii) on what dates were the results of each type of mapping published and (d) on what terms have the results been made available? NW5773E

Reply:

a) How much geological mapping has the Council for Geoscience conducted in each of the past three years,
20/21: 15 maps published to attain off-shore coverage of 8.9%, 21/22: 35 maps published, reaching 10.75% coverage, and 22/23 (Q2) 7 maps published to achieve 11.12% coverage.

b) What are the details of the:
precise area and maps published in each province since 20/21:
Limpopo: 6, Mpumalanga: 0, North West: 0, Gauteng: 0, Northern Cape: 23, KZN: 12, Free State: 0, Eastern Cape: 10, Western Cape: 6
Type of mapping that was completed
integrated geological mapping, meaning a combination of geology, geophysics, hydrogeological and geotechnical

c) (i) Where is the data published?
All data are on the CGS data portal, i.e., maps.geoscience.org.za

(ii) On what dates were the results of each type of mapping published
The bulk of CGS data, maps and publications were released via the portal in June 2021.
Thereafter the 1:50 000 data and maps will only be released a year after the publication

d) On what terms have the results been made available?
Most of the data are free to download and some are available at cost

23 December 2022 - NW4669

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Langa, Mr TM to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy

(1) What is the total number of transaction advisors in his department; (2) whether the Central Energy Fund forms part of the transaction deals; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details? NW5792E

Reply:

(1) None. The Department has not appointed any transaction advisors.

(2) No. The Department has not appointed any transaction advisors

23 December 2022 - NW4115

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Pambo, Mr V to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy

What is his department’s position regarding the 32% increase in electricity tariffs that Eskom has applied for at the National Energy Regulator of South Africa? NW5128E

Reply:

The Minister does not get involved in Eskom tariff decisions. This is a domain of an independent Regulator, NERSA, which is guided by a published and well consulted methodology, which is a condition of Eskom licence.

02 December 2022 - NW4563

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Madokwe, Ms P to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy

Whether he has thought about investing in alternative energy sources like wind, solar energy production and battery storage, especially for government buildings and educational facilities that do not use much electricity, with the intention of feeding leftover energy to the Eskom energy grid; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

Reply:

The Department of Mineral Resources and Energy is investing in energy efficiency in public buildings and infrastructure, and this covers high-energy efficient lights, heating, ventilation and cooling systems, and alternative energy such as hydrogen fuel cells. The energy efficiency measures are being implemented in various buildings of the municipalities, provincial and State-Owned Buildings with projects underway at the Lahae La SARS 9n Brooklyn, Tshwane Market, and in 45 municipalities. These energy efficiency measures are meant to reduce energy demand, thus ensure more energy is available for the productive sectors of our economy. We do also encourage all consumers of electricity to reduce consumption where possible as the first fuel before embarking on other interventions.

 

02 December 2022 - NW4584

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Langa, Mr TM to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy

Whether he has been informed that Sasol has been trying to sell Natref; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, is the Central Energy Fund as it is the main entity on energy involved in this?

Reply:

The Department has not received any communication regarding the matter under question, we therefore cannot comment on Sasol’s intention to sell its stake at Natref.

02 December 2022 - NW4583

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Langa, Mr TM to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy

What are the reasons that (a)(i) Engen and (ii) Sapref are issued a licence to import fuels when they are no longer manufacturing and/or refining and (b) the Government on its own capacity cannot take over?

Reply:

a) In terms of guidelines governing the import and export of crude oil, petroleum products and blending components every licensed manufacturer and wholesalers are allowed to import and export petroleum products.

South Africa is a net importer of petroleum product, meaning that even when these refineries were operating, they were expected to import certain portion of petroleum product.

b) There is nothing stopping state owned companies from importing petroleum products.

02 December 2022 - NW4321

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Msimang, Prof CT to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy

Considering that his department spent R500 000 on a report that recommended that the national nuclear regulator be removed from his department and placed within the former department of environmental affairs, and noting the significant amount spent on the specified report and its findings, (a) what are the reasons that the nuclear regulator remains within his department and (b) by what date will it be (i) moved to the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment and/or (ii) constituted as an independent agency within the Government?

Reply:

The National Nuclear Regulator (NNR) was established as an independent Regulator through the National Nuclear Regulator Act 47 of 1999 (the NNR Act). This had evolved from Council for Nuclear Safety (CNS) that was housed within the then Atomic Energy Corporation (AEC), currently the South African Nuclear Energy Corporation (Necsa). The NNR plays a central role in ensuring safety in the use and handling of most “radioactive materials”, as defined in the NNR Act. In terms of section 8(1) of the NNR Act, the NNR is “governed and controlled” by its Board. The powers of the Board are extensive and it is placed at the centre of the most important decision-making functions of the NNR; and must direct and control the functions and operations of the NNR.

a) Following the International Atomic Energy Agency’s Integrated Nuclear Infrastructure Review Mission in South Africa, the then Department of Energy undertook a process of reviewing its legislative framework to strengthen the effective independence of the Regulatory body. In October 2013, the Department commissioned a Feasibility Study at an estimated cost of about R500000 to be in a position to identify and establish where appropriate the following aspects:

  1. Legislation to ensure the effective independence of the National Nuclear Regulator (“NNR”) by ascertaining the best practice (through benchmarking) in enhancing the effective independence.
  2. The appropriate body in Government to which the NNR should be reporting; and
  3. The impact of moving the NNR to such a body.

The Feasibility Study indicated that thirty-one (31) countries operating nuclear power stations and international trends reveal that these countries’ nuclear safety regulators can be an integral part of the State’s governmental bureaucracy or in contrast, can be totally independent. These countries address the “effective independence” of their nuclear safety regulators taking into account the nuclear safety regulator’s Administrative Reporting Mechanisms, Funding Model and Regulatory Enforcement Measure. Taking these factors into account, proposed amendments to the NNR Act were considered prudent, noting the uniqueness of the nuclear industry, and required capacity within the appropriate Department.

(b)

(i) There is no date for any movement. The issue of effective independence of the regulator is being addressed through the strengthening of the statutory framework to ensure that the decisions of the NNR remain independent, given the existing reporting lines of the regulator. The NNR thus remains effectively independent and the perception that is not is unfounded.

(ii) Further amendments to the NNR Act have been proposed, amongst others, to strengthen the independence of the NNR, in particular removing any internal appeal to the Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy on decisions of the NNR. These amendments will be facilitated through the legislative process.

25 November 2022 - NW3673

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Madokwe, Ms P to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy

(1)What are the reasons that his department did not use the same energy it is using on the Shell Wild Coast matter and lodge as many appeals as possible having understood the complexities and possible dangers associated with mining tailing dumps; (2) whether he has found that the Jagersfontein incident could have been avoided had his department taken heed of the cries of the community in relation to the activities occurring in the mine and appealed the court’s ruling; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details?

Reply:

The Minister took Office in 2018, almost 11 years after the Free State High Court pronounced that his department cannot exercise jurisdiction under the MPRDA in relation to the tailings dumps in question.  Given the lapse of time and considering that the ruling prompted the legislature to consider amending the MPRDA to remedy the legislative lacuna as far back as 2013 when it adopted the MPRDA Amendment Bill of 2013, there are at this stage no prospects of successfully appealing the judgment.

25 November 2022 - NW3739

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Madokwe, Ms P to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy

Given that more than a month has passed since the Jagersfontein tragedy, during which the lives of residents were abruptly destroyed, and that his department chose not to challenge a court ruling that transferred responsibility for tailing dams to the Department of Water Affairs and Sanitation, despite the fact that such dams had mining-related activities and consequences, what (a) are the reasons that his department did not challenge the ruling and (b) steps has he taken to address the issue in light of the negative effects of its previous inaction?

Reply:

The Minister took Office in 2018, almost 11 years after the Free State High Court pronounced that his department cannot exercise jurisdiction under the MPRDA in relation to the tailings dumps in question.  Given the lapse of time the Department had attempted to remedy the situation through an amendment which was adopted in 2013, however the Bill lapsed with the end of term of the administration. The Department has resuscitated the amendment of the MPRDA to include tailing dams and an Amendment Bill will be submitted to the Legislature in due course.

25 November 2022 - NW4156

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Van Dyk, Ms V to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy

(1)With reference to the complaints of dust pollution in the town Koingnaas in the Kamiesberg municipal area due to the dried-out tailings dams, what mining company will be responsible for rehabilitation now that West Coast Resources are in business rescue; (2) whether his department has done an impact study to establish the impact of the dust pollution on residents; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (3) whether his department intends to enforce rehabilitation; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, by what date will his department render assistance in this regard; (4) whether any mining rehabilitation has been done in the Kamiesberg area; if not, why not; if, so, (a) where and (b) by what company? NW5221E

Reply:

(1) The Mining right is still active; therefore, West Coast Resources will still be liable and expected to carry-out the rehabilitation and environmental monitoring. In this case, part of the responsibility of the Business Rescue Practitioner will be handling the environmental obligation management as required by the National Environmental Management Act, (No.107 of 1998) (as amended).

(2) The inspection was conducted by the Department and Department Agri, Env Affairs, Rural Dev Land reform on the 02 August 2022 to assess the concern raised. The outcome of the inspection was that the mining operation had ceased and no activity was observed onsite.

The site visit was undertaken during the of windy season of the year and still none dust emission were observed. Normally Department would request dust monitoring to commence in case there is extreme dust emission within a timeframe of 3 months from the date the notice is issued and the submission of a Dust Management Plan for approval and implementation.

(3) The Mining Right is still active, the department has already enforced the obligation by the Right Holder to undertake the rehabilitation process and these proved to have been done and continuing.

(4) (a) mining area in Kamiesberg area. (b) The rehabilitation process has been undertaken by West Coast Resources (right holder).

 

25 November 2022 - NW4405

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Spies, Ms ERJ to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy

What is the (a) total number of staff employed and/or provided as departmental support in (i) his and (ii) the Deputy Minister’s private offices and (b)(i) job title and (ii) annual remuneration package of each specified person?

Reply:

a) i               17

ii              8

b) i & ii      see below spreadsheet.

COMPONENT DESCRIPTION

JOB TITLE DESCRIPTION

SALARY LEVEL

Total Package

OFFICE OF THE MINISTER

SPECIAL ADVISER TO THE MINISTER

16

R1 739 784.00

OFFICE OF THE MINISTER

SPECIAL ADVISER TO THE MINISTER

16

R1 054 311.00

OFFICE OF THE MINISTER

 

DOMESTIC WORKER

3

R170 474,58

OFFICE OF THE MINISTER

 

DOMESTIC WORKER

3

R170 474,58

OFFICE OF THE MINISTER

DRIVER/MESSENGER (MINISTERIAL & PARLIAMENTARY SER.

5

R241 544,70

OFFICE OF THE MINISTER

 

REGISTRY CLERK

7

R421 809,30

OFFICE OF THE MINISTER

SECRETARY/RECEPTIONIST (PTA)(MINISTERIAL & PARL.S)

6

R290 046,81

OFFICE OF THE MINISTER

SECRETARY/RECEPTIONIST (CT)(MINISTERIAL & PARL.S)

7

R385 752,27

OFFICE OF THE MINISTER

ASSISTANT APPOINT.& ADMIN.SEC (MIN & PARL.SERV)

9

R523 675,65

OFFICE OF THE MINISTER

ADMIN. SECRETARY (MINISTERIAL AND PARLIAMENTARY SE

11

R744255.00

OFFICE OF THE MINISTER

COMMUNITY OUTREACH PROGRAMS

11

R744255.00

OFFICE OF THE MINISTER

 

EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT

11

R744255.00

OFFICE OF THE MINISTER

CABINET&PARLIAMENTARY OFFICER (MINISTERIAL&PARL.S)

11

R744255.00

OFFICE OF THE MINISTER

PARLIAMENTARY AND CABINET SUPPORT

12

R882042.00

COMPONENT DESCRIPTION

JOB TITLE DESCRIPTION

SALARY LEVEL

Total Package

OFFICE OF THE MINISTER

PRIVATE SECRETARY (MINISTERIAL & PARL.SERV.)

12

R882042.00

OFFICE OF THE MINISTER

CHIEF OF STAFF: MINISTERIAL AND PARLIAMENTARY SERV

14

R1 269 951

OFFICE OF THE MINISTER

MEDIA LIAISON OFFICER (MINISTERIAL & PARL.SERVICE)

11

R744255.00

OFFICE OF THE DEPUTY MINISTER: DMRE

DOMESTIC WORKER

3

R170 474,58

OFFICE OF THE DEPUTY MINISTER:

DOMESTIC WORKER

3

R170 474,58

OFFICE OF THE DEPUTY MINISTER: DMRE

DRIVER/MESSENGER (MINISTERIAL & PARLIAMENTARY SER.

4

R202 018,83

OFFICE OF THE DEPUTY MINISTER: DMRE

SECRETARY/RECEPTIONIST (MINISTERIAL & PARL.S)

5

R241 544,70

OFFICE OF THE DEPUTY MINISTER: DMRE

REGISTRY CLERK (OFFICE OF THE DM)

7

R380 055,81

OFFICE OF THE DEPUTY MINISTER: DMRE

PRIVATE SECRETARY (MINISTERIAL & PARL.SERV.)

12

R882042.00

OFFICE OF THE DEPUTY MINISTER: DMRE

COMMUNITY OUTREACH OFFICER

11

R744255.00

OFFICE OF THE DEPUTY MINISTER: DMRE

PARLIAMENTARY & CABINET COORD.

11

R744255.00

18 November 2022 - NW4072

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Mileham, Mr K to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy

(a) What amount of strategic fuel stock is currently held by (i) his department and/or (ii) private entities, (b) in what form is the stock held and (c) what actions have been taken and/or contemplated to ensure that a security of supply of refined petroleum products is sufficient to meet the demand of the market in the Republic as it is experiencing a perfect storm with regard to refined petroleum products, arising from inadequate port infrastructure, ongoing strike action and labour issues in the ports, failure to have any kind of strategic reserve of refined products and a shortage of refining capacity due to the closure of various refineries?

Reply:

a) The Strategic Fuel Fund (SFF) until recently held (i) 10, 023 million barrels (Ten Million and 23 Thousand barrels) of strategic stocks on behalf of the state.

The current stock is down by approximately 0,3 million barrels ( 300, 000 barrels). Approximately 300 000 barrels was recently sold to Total-energies for processing at the Natref refinery. The sale followed a force majeure that had been declared by the Nigerian supplier to Total-energies.

(ii) Private entities keep commercial stock to cater for their share of the petroleum market.

b) The stock held by SFF is in crude oil form

c) SFF is implementing a strategy of developing and accessing infrastructure at import terminals and primary depots closer to the market. This will allow SFF to respond to Security of Supply disruptions and ensure availability of emergency stock of finished products. SFF has purchased a primary depot in Cape Townthat will provide open access to third parties to store their fuels. This will ensure that there is diversity of suppliers in the market place and therefore minimise supply risk.

18 November 2022 - NW3852

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Siwisa, Ms AM to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy

Considering that mining companies are demolishing houses in Merafong City Local Municipality instead of donating such houses to the community, due to the shortage of residential availability, what are the reasons that he is allowing this to happen instead of donating houses to the Department of Human Settlements in order to deal with the shortage of houses?

Reply:

Sibanye Stillwater has a mining right for Driefontein operations which is located within the Merafong Local Municipal jurisdiction. The mine has four (4) mining villages under this mining right namely; Letsatsing, Phomolong, East village and West village. These villages comprise of approximately 1 367 housing units collectively currently occupied by the mine employees. The mine is currently negotiating with the Merafong Local Municipality (“MCLM”) to donate its mining village’s under Driefontein operations to the Municipality. These villages are earmarked for demolishing if they are not taken over by the local authority and be incorporated into the municipality’s Spatial Development Framework (SDF) and formalised.

The mine has only demolished houses it deems to be posing serious danger to locals as these houses may be unsafe for occupation and or may harbour criminals and criminal activities. These are mostly houses that have been vandalised and or illegally occupied by amongst others illegal miners.

11 November 2022 - NW3225

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Pambo, Mr V to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy

Whether his department has a central database of all (a) active and (b) inactive tailings dams in the Republic; if not, why not; if so, what are the full relevant details of the dams?

Reply:

The Department has central database of active and dormant/ inactive slimes in the Republic of South Africa. There are 150 active and 328 dormant slimes dam, respectively. The total number of slimes dams in the databese is 478.

11 November 2022 - NW3947

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Van Dyk, Ms V to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy

(1)(a) What are the names of all the mining companies that have been involved in the Kamiesberg Local Municipality area in the past five financial years, (b) what are the names of the shareholders and/or directors of the companies, (c) how long has each company been mining in the Kamiesberg, (d) what does each company mine, (e) where is the mine and (f) what amount was set aside by each mining company for rehabilitation; (2) whether the Government and/or any government officials have any shares in any of the specified mining companies; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what is the (a) name of the company and (b) shareholding percentage; (3) whether all of the mines have a social labour plan; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, will he furnish Mrs V van Dyk with a copy of the specified plan?

Reply:

1(a) West Coast Resources.

(b) West Coast Resources (Pty) Ltd is owned 67.2% by Trans Diamante Ltd a subsidiary of Trans Hex group Ltd, 4% is held by Namaqualand Diamond Fund Trust, 8.8% is held by Dininoka Investment Holdings and 20% is held Main Street (State SPV). Historically Disadvantaged South Africans holds 41.61% shares of the 67.2% shares in the Trans Hex group shares.

(c) West Coast Resources has taken over to these rights from DeBeers group since May 2011.

(d) The company is mining for Diamonds

(e) Koingnaas

(f) an amount of R125 386 427. 00 has been set aside

(2)(a) Main Street (State SPV)

(b) 20% shares is held by Main Street (state SPV)

(3) Yes, the mining right in question has a social labour plan in Place.

11 November 2022 - NW3740

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Madokwe, Ms P to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy

(1)Whether any officials in his department have been found fostering an environment for illicit mining to prosper; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what penalties were they given; (2) whether his department will take charge of restoring regions that have been ravaged by illegal miners; if not, who will restore such regions; if so, what are the relevant details

Reply:

  1. No, no official has been found fostering an environment for illicit mining to prosper.
  2. The Department will continue with rehabilitation of derelict and ownerless mines. It will further continue to promote development in areas ravaged by illegal mining, and mining rights holders to ensure that mines are rehabilitated after closure

11 November 2022 - NW3374

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Matumba, Mr A to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy

Whether any measures have been put in place for the nationalisation of mines; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

Reply:

There are no measures in place to nationalize mines because it is not a government policy.

11 November 2022 - NW3948

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Van Dyk, Ms V to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy

(1)(a) What are the names of all the mining companies that mined in the Koingnaas mining area in the Kamiesberg Local Municipality after De Beers stopped mining, (b) who are/were their shareholders/directors and (c) what (i)amount was set aside for rehabilitation by each mining company and (ii) did each mining company contribute towards the municipality and communities; (2) whether he will furnish Mrs V van Dyk with the social labour plan of each of the (a) operational and (b) nonoperational mining companies over the past five years, specifically towards infrastructure; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

Reply:

1(a) West coast resources (Pty) Ltd

(b) West Coast Resources (Pty) Ltd is owned 67.2% by Trans Diamante Ltd a subsidiary of Trans Hex group Ltd, 4% is held by Namaqualand Diamond Fund Trust, 8.8% is held by Dininoka Investment Holdings and 20% is held Main Street (State SPV). Historically Disadvantaged South Africans holds 41.61% shares of the 67.2% shares in the Trans Hex group shares.

(c)(i) R125 386 427. 00

(ii) Yes, through the Local Economic Development programme

(2) Yes, through application for Access to Information.

11 November 2022 - NW4111

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Montwedi, Mr Mk to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy

(1)Noting how contractors appointed by different mines continue to exploit workers, (a) which measures of intervention have been put in place to ensure that workers are not exploited by contractors, (b) by what date will workers be employed directly by the mines and not through contractors and (c) what (i) total number of workers have been employed through contractors in all the mining houses and (ii) is the percentage of workers employed through contractors versus those employed directly by mines; (2) whether he has found that mining contractors pay their workers the minimum wage as set out by the Department of Employment and Labour; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details? NW5123E

Reply:

The matter is not within the mandate of the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy as it is an operational matter which should be responded to by the mine owners.

09 November 2022 - NW3776

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Montwedi, Mr Mk to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy

What steps has he taken to (a) address the issue of illegal mining and (b) transform illegal miners into small-scale miners in Witrankie Village in the Moses Kotane Local Municipality?

Reply:

(a) Illegal mining of chrome in Witrankie is one of the Department’s priority areas. In order to address illegal mining in the village, intelligence led operations were conducted with members of the SAPS and the Hawks. As a result of those operations, cases were opened, and arrests made. There are continuous disruptive operations conducted by the Department and SAPS given the extent of illegal mining in the area.

(b) The profile of illegal mining in South Africa is such that it is dominated by illegal immigrants. Illegal miners cannot be transformed into small scale miners. The Department through its Small-scale division only assists potential miners who intend operating within the boundaries of the law.

09 November 2022 - NW3672

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Madokwe, Ms P to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy

(1)Noting that the Republic has been facing an energy crisis, frequent load shedding and uncertainty from Eskom and his department as to when the country will reach stability again, what initiatives, outside opening bids for private entities and/or collaborations, have been started by the Government to build the Republic’s green energy industry, (2) whether he has found that the current reliance on Independent Power Producers and opening bids is the Government’s way of shifting some of its responsibilities to services providers and the private sector and thus dismantling the Republic’s sovereignty; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the further, relevant details?

Reply:

  1. Through the National Energy Crisis Committee (NECOM) established by the President of the Republic, short – medium term initiatives are being pursued to bring online both renewable and non-renewable energy-based power generation technologies. With regard to building “the Republic’s green energy industry”, outside opening bids for private entities and/or collaborations, limits on the maximum power that can be generated and traded through bilateral arrangements without the need to apply for a license from the National Energy Regulator of South Africa are in the process of being removed; and shopping centres, households and mines are now at liberty to generate and sell excess green power from rooftop and/or utility scale PV installations through necessary wheeling arrangements.
  2. Through the national power utility, electricity generation largely remains, and will remain for the foreseeable future, in the hands of government. Therefore, the Government is not shifting some of its responsibilities to services providers and the private sector in a manner that dismantles the Republic’s sovereignty. However, to competitively trade in the global market, South Africa needs to keep pace with global developments such as the liberalisation of the electricity market, that being done without compromising its developmental imperatives. In response to this global trend of market liberalisation, government is facilitating, through a regulated procurement programme, carefully managed participation of Independent Power Producers in the electricity generation space.

09 November 2022 - NW3915

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Madokwe, Ms P to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy

(a) What steps will he take with regard to the responses he received to the withdrawal of the Gas Amendment Bill, [B9-2021], on which extensive public hearings across the Republic were held and that now leave many stakeholders like the National Energy Regulator of South Africa in the dark and concerned that the withdrawal has dealt the entity a serious blow and (b) how does he plan to remedy the (i) wasteful spending of public funds on a bill that will never be processed and (ii) legislative shortcomings that the absence of the bill causes for the industry and the Republic?

Reply:

a) The Department has not received any responses to the withdrawal of the Bill.

b) The inputs from public consultations will be used to strengthen and improve on the Bill which will be resubmitted in next financial year.

09 November 2022 - NW3909

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Langa, Mr TM to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy

What action has he and/or his department taken to stop illegal mining in Burgersfort?

Reply:

The Department and SAPS established a stakeholder forum named “Illegal Mining Forum” in Limpopo Province in 2017 for the purpose of implementing measures to ultimately eradicate illegal mining activities in all the illegal mining hotspots, including Burgersfort.

This forum is assisted by the recently established Essential Infrastructure Task Team, which is a specialised unit within SAPS to deal, amongst others, with illegal mining.

09 November 2022 - NW3783

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Msimang, Prof CT to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy

With regard to the Samrad system of his department which has not been serviced and has therefore been outdated for years, (a) what are the reasons that there were no plans (i) drawn and (ii) implemented to service and ensure that the system is regularly updated, (b) how does his department intend to mitigate the backlog which the installation of a new system will cause and (c) what is the action plan to counter the specified backlog?

Reply:

a) (i), (ii) Since its inception, the system has been serviced, however challenges were experienced when the service provider who maintained and serviced the system was liquidated in 2016. No updates were made of the system since then.

b) The norm for implementing ICT related projects is to have a detailed project and migration plan which also include risks identification and how the risks will be mitigated during the project tenure.

c) Refer to b above.

27 October 2022 - NW3693

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Mthenjane, Mr DF to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy

What long-term plans have been put in place to combat the challenge of large-scale illegal mining operations in the Republic?

Reply:

The South African Police Service is to launch the Economic Infrastructure Task Team (EITT) whose role will be to address the scourge of crimes within the non-ferrous metals, essential infrastructure, critical infrastructure, extortion, and illegal mining. The Department of Mineral Resources and Energy will work together with the envisaged unit.

25 October 2022 - NW2855

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Tambo, Mr S to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy.Mr. Jacob MbeleDirector General

Given the Government’s commitment to COP-26 and a so-called just transition from coal to green energy resources, (a) what steps has his department taken to protect jobs in the coal industry and (b) how does his department rationalise moving away from coal as an energy resource amidst the increased importance of coal in nations such as China?

Reply:

a) The department is initiating social dialogue with other spheres of government, labour, business, employers, workers, communities, and historically marginalised people to solicit their views in the design of a plan to protect jobs as we transition.

b) The Integrated Resource Plan (IRP2019) continues to provide a balanced policy mix of coal, renewables, gas, hydro and nuclear as part of our transition from high emitting to low emitting energy sources.

25 October 2022 - NW3096

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Tito, Ms LF to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy

What action has been taken against Sasol Secunda in (a) Mpumalanga and (b) the Free State, as the specified company continues to fail at meeting emission standards in the specified areas?

Reply:

The Department of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries (DEFF) is better placed to respond to this question, as it is the competent authority that regulates emission standards as well as activities which result in atmospheric emissions.

14 October 2022 - NW2632

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Mileham, Mr K to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy

With reference to the measures announced by the President of the Republic, Mr M C Ramaphosa in his Energy Response Plan, which include enabling Eskom to procure power from existing power generators with installed solar panels, what (a) progress has his department and Eskom made to ensure that the process to grant the necessary approvals and waivers is simplified to enable procurement from power generators and (b) number of approvals and waivers have been granted to date?

Reply:

Eskom has applied to procure from existing generators on a Standard Offer basis. The DMRE has processed the request and it is currently receiving NERSA’s attention for concurrence.

13 October 2022 - NW2545

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Langa, Mr TM to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy

What specific measures does he have in place to address the issue of rising fuel prices in the Republic?

Reply:

Government was able to cushion the consumers at the height of these increases by selling strategic crude reserves as well as foregoing some revenue. In addition a 10 cent demand side management levy was removed for inland provinces.

07 October 2022 - NW3379

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Msimang, Prof CT to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy

(1)What are reasons for the mine slimes dam burst in Jagersfontein; (2) whether it has been found that the burst was an accident and/or a result of negligence; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details; (3) whether negligence was found to have contributed to the burst; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (a) on whose part was negligence found and (b) what has been done to hold responsible persons accountable?

Reply:

(1) The Department does not have the authority to regulate the processing of residue deposits at the Jagersfontein dam and thus cannot investigate the cause of the accident. This is as a result of the De Beers court judgment over Jagersfontein mine residue deposits (De Beers Consolidated Mines Ltd v Ataqua Mining (Pty) Ltd & others, case no. 3215/06, Free State Provincial Division, 13 December 2007).

(2) Department of Mineral Resources and Energy will not be in a position to provide response on the matter which should be responded to by the Departments of Labour, Forestry, Fisheries, Environmental Affairs, and Water and Sanitation since they have a regulatory jurisdiction over certain of the operations of Jagersfontein Developments (PTY) Ltd.

(3) Please refer to (1)

 

30 September 2022 - NW2633

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Mileham, Mr K to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy

With reference to one of the interventions announced by the President of the Republic, Mr M C Ramaphosa, in his Energy Response Plan, which is the assistance that would be given to 80 projects that represent over 6 000MW of new generation capacity, to obtain the remaining approvals as quickly as possible, (a) what number of the projects have been assisted to obtain the requisite approvals to date and (b) by what date is the Government expecting to have all the 80 projects approved?

Reply:

The 80 projects being referred to are developed by private parties and the DMRE has no visibility on the progress. Since the lifting of the licensing threshold, many people seem to be developing energy projects and have no obligation to apprise the department. NERSA has registered projects totalling 688 MW to date.

30 September 2022 - NW2851

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Singh, Mr N to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy

(1) How is Eskom working with provincial governments to solve the energy supplied to pensioners, indigent and unemployed residents to be converted from conventional to prepaid electricity; (2) whether his department, working with the provincial governments, has plans for residents with arrears and disconnections to be rehabilitated and provided with access to prepaid supply as a matter of urgency; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NW3448E

Reply:

The matter is not within the mandate of the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy as it is an operational matter which should be responded to by the Department of Public Enterprises.

30 September 2022 - NW2850

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Singh, Mr N to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy

In light of the fact that Eskom customer services offices are closed nationally since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, on what date is it envisaged that the (a) offices will reopen to the public and (b) operational issues and services are improved, namely reporting structures such as Alfred Chat bot and email that do not generate valid reference numbers and timeous responses?

Reply:

The matter is not within the mandate of the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy as it is an operational matter which should be responded to by the Department of Public Enterprises.

30 September 2022 - NW3292

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Msimang, Prof CT to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy

In view of the burst in the Jagersfontein tailings dam on 11 September 2022, the Merriespruit tailings dam disaster in 1994 and the Bafokeng tailings dam failure in 1974, what regulatory oversight and enforcement measures are in place for (a) major and smaller mining companies and (b) retreat operations with regard to the maintenance and monitoring of tailings dams?

Reply:

The Department enforces compliance in the mining sector through the following legislation:

a) Mine Health and Safety Act, 1996 (Act 29 of 1996, as amended),

b) Guideline for the Compilation of a Mandatory Code of Practice on Mine Residue Deposits (issued by the Chief Inspector of Mines),

However, the Department does not have the authority to regulate the processing of residue deposits at the Jagersfontein dam. This is as a result of the De Beers court judgment over Jagersfontein residue deposits (De Beers Consolidated Mines Ltd v Ataqua Mining (Pty) Ltd & others, case no. 3215/06, Free State Provincial Division, 13 December 2007). The judgement held that historical mine residue deposits (those created before the coming into operation of the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act, 2002 (MPRDA) on the 01st of May 2004) are not minerals as contemplated in the MPRDA and such they are not regulated under provisions of the MPRDA. The processing of historical mine residue deposits does not constitute mining and the area where they are situated is not classified as a mine. This was again confirmed by the court judgment in the case of Ekapa Minerals (Pty) Ltd & Others vs Lucky Seekoei & Others (2057/2016) [2017] ZANCHC 5 (13 January 2017). The Department is fully committed to providing its technical and other expertise regarding mining related matters to the relevant government authorities.

30 September 2022 - NW3224

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Pambo, Mr V to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy

(a) Who is responsible for the enforcement of the mandatory Code of Practice for Mine Residue Deposits at a mine, with particular reference to the monitoring, maintenance, risk assessment and disaster prevention and recovery for tailings dams and (b) with reference to the Jagersfontein dam, what work had been done to monitor the maintenance of the dam to minimise disasters such as the one that happened at the Jagersfontein mine in Free State on 11 September 2022?

Reply:

a) The Department of Mineral Resources and Energy, is responsible for the enforcement of the respective legal provisions in the mining sector.

b) The court in the De Beers judgment over Jagersfontein mine residue deposits (De Beers Consolidated Mines Ltd v Ataqua Mining (Pty) Ltd & others, case no. 3215/06, Free State Provincial Division, 13 December 2007) held that historical mine residue deposits (those created before the coming into operation of the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act, 2002 (MPRDA) on the 01st of May 2004) are not minerals as contemplated in the MPRDA and such they are not regulated under provisions of the MPRDA. The processing of historical mine residue deposits does not constitute mining and the area where they are situated is not classified as a mine. This was again confirmed by the court judgment in the case of Ekapa Minerals (Pty) Ltd & Others vs Lucky Seekoei & Others (2057/2016) [2017] ZANCHC 5 (13 January 2017). Consequently, the Department did not have the authority to regulate the activities (including health and safety) in the processing of mine residue deposits at the Jagersfontein dam. However, the Department is fully committed to providing its technical and other expertise in the investigation of the accident by the relevant government authorities.

30 September 2022 - NW3003

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Mabika, Mr M to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy

Whether he and/or his department submitted a policy review document and/or any other government policy document to structures outside of the Government, either to private and/or external structures or structures of any political affiliation during the past five years; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (a) will he furnish Mr M S Mabika with copies of all such documents and (b) what are the reasons that the Government documents were provided to each structure?

Reply:

All Policy review documents and /or any other government policy document developed by the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE) follows policy development processes as prescribed by the legislature.Reviewed policy documents and /or any other government policy document developed follows a consultative process and are also gazetted if required for public comments and are accessible by the public, interested and affected parties, including by private or external structures or structures of any political party.

30 September 2022 - NW2852

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Singh, Mr N to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy

(1) How is the Government taking care of the vulnerable people in financial difficulties in accessing electricity; (2) whether the Government intends to take steps to prioritise the roll out subsidised prepaid meters for Eskom-direct customers; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

Reply:

The matter is not within the mandate of the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy as it is an operational matter which should be responded to by the Department of Public Enterprises.