Questions and Replies

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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)

 

Reply:

1. (a) (i) A total of (7) employees in DMRE are currently working from home;

(ii) These 7 employees have special permission to work from home; and

(iii) One employee has an injury, while two were pregnant ladies with a comorbidity who are currently on maternity leave and other four officials are sick: and

(b) The injured employee is expected to return to the office on 19 September 2022 while the ladies who are on maternity leave will come back respectively on 29 November 2022 and 02 January 2023.

(2) whether he will make a statement on the matter? Not necessary as such statistics are always available as and when required/requested.

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.

Reply:

The Department oversee the rehabilitation of disused mines that are owner less. It should be indicated the pace and the rate at which rehabilitation of the owner-less mines are carried out is largely informed by the allocation of funds from Treasury. It is common knowledge that the allocated funds remain in adequate to address the existing backlog of operations.

In respect of the mines with owners, administrative processes are followed in that mines are issued with legal notices to carry out rehabilitation as per the approved Environmental Authorization or approved Environmental Management Programme. It should be indicated that where there are challenges relate to areas that are already rehabilitated (in accordance with the commitments outlined as per Environmental Authentications or approved Environmental Management Programme) and are reopened by illegal miners (who are undocumented migrants). Rehabilitation of such area follows after the conclusion of the criminal enforcement process.

 

 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Reply:

Yes, the Republic still has Highly Enriched Uranium (HEU) stored safely at the South African Nuclear Energy Corporation SOC Limited (Necsa), which has neither been downgraded nor sent to USA for safekeeping. The material is highly secured and under the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Safeguards. The IAEA continuously monitors the stored material using their Remote Monitoring System (RMS) connected 24hrs to IAEA Headquarters in Vienna and does physical verification inspections by visiting Necsa in planned and unplanned visits. This is consistent with South Africa being a signatory to the international treaties for non-proliferation of nuclear material such as the Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement (CSA) and Protocol Additional to the Safeguards Agreement (AP). In terms of security, it should be noted that Necsa is a National Key Point.

Reply:

• Mining legislative framework and policies amongst others requires that mining companies must have 60% of Historically Disadvantaged Persons (HDP’s) and 25% women representatives on Senior Management Level in order to redress the imbalances of the past.
• The law does not categorise the Historically Disadvantaged South Africans in terms of their local place of origin within South Africa in as far as Employment Equity targets are concerned. Mining companies are however encouraged to be sensitive to the needs of immediate communities when it comes to job opportunities.
• As of 9th June 2021, Senior Management of Tronox was at 100% HDP’s and 40% thereof was occupied by women.

Reply:

Several operations have been conducted jointly by the South Africa Police Services with officials of the Department. The South African police service is to launch the Economic Infrastructure Task Team (EITT), whose primary objective is to address the scourge of crimes within the non-ferrous metals, essential infrastructure, critical infrastructure, extortion, and illegal mining environments due to the negative impact these crimes have on the economy, security and growth of the country and society at large.

Reply:

This has been affected already, there’s no need for gazetting.

Reply:

(a)(i) The Small Scale Mining (SSM) Framework aimed at formalising artisanal mining is in place (30th March 2022 gazetted Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining Policy). However, the support will be provided without compromising environmental, social and governance (ESG) principles and therefore where human settlements are established mining cannot be conducted. The rehabilitation of derelict and ownerless mines is aimed at closing shafts/tunnels used by illegal operators to access areas where no authority to mine can be given. Illegal Mining is prohibited by law and security agencies SAPS is the lead agent dealing with illegal mining in the country including on people’s backyards. Perpetrators of illegal mining activities will be liable for prosecution. (ii) the Department is constantly working on eradicating the backlog with the main focus on mining rights.

(b) (i) The DMRE introduced a Women Diggers programme. The Department set aside funds to support women to participate in the small-scale mining. 23 women received theoretical and on-the-job practical training on small-scale mining facilitated by Mintek and Mining companies. The mining companies provided on the job training. The department is now facilitating the permit application and funding for some of the women diggers who have completed training and identified sites for mining. (ii) In terms of assisting the small-scale miners with mining equipment’s the framework objective is to ensure that the collaboration between different economic departments (Small Business Development and Trade, Investment and Competition) is enhanced and formalised. Furthermore, the DMRE regional managers continues to provide small-scale miners with relevant information and guidance regarding institutions where they could be equipped with necessary and relevant skills

Reply:

a) The number of operating mines in all provinces is 573

b) and (c) Please see “Annexure A”

Reply:

(a)(i) The strategic action plans that the Department has is to seal and close all derelict and ownerless mines so that illegal miners are denied access to the same mine, and also regular inspections in identified sites with law enforcement agencies (SAPS) to curb illicit dealing in gold.

(ii) The key indicators as per the Annual operational Plan are the percentage of complaints attended to/inspected as received as well as the criminal cases opened in respect of unlawful/illegal perpetrators who have commenced with mining activities without the necessary authorisation. This is contained in the Department’s Annual Operational Plan

(b)The compliance and enforcement directorate has a budget of R17 953 151, 26 for the purpose of compliance and enforcement.

(c) The Department does not regulate illegal mining, however when the officials of the come across it or a complaint is received such is attended to jointly with SAPS.

Reply:

(a) The Minister met with both the management of Sibanye-Stillwater and Labour representatives and emphasized the importance of them reaching an amicable solution.

(b)(i) The Department cannot give any guarantees in this case as the relationship between Employer and Employee is governed by both the Labour Relations Act and Basic Condition of Employment Act, and both are the competency of the Department of Employment and Labour.

(ii) The competent authority to respond to these questions is the Department of Employment and Labour.

Reply:

Development of oil and gas has great potential to offer South Africa energy independence (and security), economic growth and jobs as long as is developed within the principles of sustainable development.

Reply:

1. Yes, information will be made available after Cabinet approval.

2. The way forward will be informed by scientific studies currently underway.

Reply:

a) Mining Indaba is a conference like any other, the Department does not derive its mandate from it.

b) All issues raised at different platforms, including mining indaba are dealt with in line with the Department’s mandate and in accordance with the annual performance plan.

Reply:

The Department gazetted the Exploration Strategy recently and key areas of influence were identified. Government and social partners will address these to improve the country’s investment attractiveness within the next five years.

There are logistical (rail and freight), regulatory (water and environmental licensing) and security challenges which fall outside the mandate of the DMRE.

Reply:

a) Although Social economic development is the constitutional mandate of the Local Government, mining companies have to also contribute to the socio-economic development of the area they are operating through Social and Labour Plans. Mining companies around those areas have committed to contribute to the socio-economic development of the area in line with the IDPs of the municipalities.

b) The Department has a responsibility to monitor compliance. If non-compliance is detected, the Department issues a directive to remedy the non-compliance. If the non-compliance is not addressed, it may lead to a right being suspended or cancelled.

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 relevant mine(s).

 

Reply:

Ward 26 falls under the Eskom Licenced Area of Supply which is the Wonderkop area. Ward 26 is situated on private land and Eskom has since asked landowners for consent to electrify the area. No response has been received and the local municipality (Madibeng) has been asked to assist with the process. Electrification of the area can therefore only resume as soon as all the above issues are resolved.

Reply:

a) The department has recently gazetted the Exploration Strategy to address this. There are logistical (rail and freight), regulatory (water and environmental licensing) and security challenges which fall outside the mandate of the DMRE.

b) Key areas have been identified in the Exploration Strategy that government and social partners will address to improve the country’s investment attractiveness in the next five years.

 

 

Reply:

The matter referred to in the question should be addressed to the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment.

 

Reply:

Yes, Elandshoogte Gold mine is issued with the mining right and an approved EMP/ EA which contain rehabilitation plan.

Reply:

a1 NRWDI

a) N/A

b) No commercial contract was concluded between the entity and Russian Federation

(i) No contract concluded

(ii) No contract concluded since 01 April 2017

(aa) N/A

(bb) N/A

(cc) N/A

(dd) N/A

(ee) N/A

2. SDT

a) N/A

b) No commercial contract was concluded between the entity and Russian Federation

(i) No contract concluded

(ii)No contract concluded since 01 April 2017

(aa) N/A

(bb) N/A

(cc) N/A

(dd) N/A

(ee) N/A

3. MHSC

a) N/A

b) No commercial contract was concluded between the entity and Russian Federation

(i) No contract concluded

(ii) No contract concluded since 01 April 2017

(aa) N/A

(bb) N/A

(cc) N/A

(dd) N/A

(ee) N/A

4. CEF

We can confirm that as CEF Group we have not concluded any commercial agreements with any Russian entities since 2017 to date. Following a tender by our subsidiary, PetroSA to sell non-core assets (i.e. Christmas Trees) through an open tender process, the Russian entity called Gazprom has shown interest to acquire these assets. We can also confirm that no agreement has been concluded in this regard.

a) N/A

b) No commercial contract was concluded between the entity and Russian Federation

(i) No contract concluded

(ii) No contract concluded since 01 April 2017

(aa) N/A

(bb) N/A

(cc) N/A

(dd) N/A

(ee) N/A

5. CGS

(a) N/A

(b) No commercial contract was concluded between the entity and Russian Federation

(i) No contract concluded

(ii) No contract concluded since 01 April 2017

(aa) N/A

(bb) N/A

(cc) N/A

(dd) N/A

(ee) N/A

6. MINTEK

Russian Federation entities involved: EVRAZ Holdings, PAO Severstal, Kutchatov Institute, Ural Mining and Metallurgical Company (UMMC) (Uchalin and Gai Mines), A9 Systems, and Polyus Verinskoe.

Total value of projects: R7 751 547

​6.1 RAZ Holdings – Moscow Russia (East Metals AG Switzerland)

(aa) Relevant details

MINTEK has contracted with EVRAZ, based in Russian, for MINTEK to perform quality control (QA) evaluation work on grinding balls.

Date: 22 November 2021

(bb) Values

EVRAZ Holdings: R403 065

(cc) Time Frames

Complete by 31 May 2022

(dd) Goods Contracted

MINTEK will perform metallurgical characterisation test work on the grinding balls, including:

• Chemical composition analysis
• Metallurgical characterisation
• Impact/drop tests
• Ball mill abrasion wear testing
• Pin abrasion testing
• Dry rubber wheel abrasion testing

(ee) Reasons that the goods could not be contracted in the Republic?

EVRAZ Holdings sought the best available services and approached Mintek to execute the work on their behalf.

​6.2 PAO Severstal – Russia

(aa) Relevant details

MINTEK has contracted with PAO Severstal, based in Russian, for MINTEK to perform metallurgical characterisation test (i.e. Quality Control (QC) work on grinding balls).

Date: 22 October 2021

(bb) Values

PAO Severstal: R425 766

(cc) Time Frames

PAO Severstal: Work conducted over 30 October 2021 to 03 December 2021

(dd) Goods Contracted

MINTEK will perform metallurgical characterisation test work on the grinding balls, including:

• Visual inspection and mass of the balls.
• Chemical Analysis.
• Microstructural Analysis.
• Hardness Measurements.
• Impact/Drop Testing (2000 drops) of three balls from each set.
• Charpy Impact Strength Analysis
• Ball mill abrasion wear test in the laboratory ball mill using the silica sand ore

(ee) Reasons that the goods could not be contracted in the Republic?

PAO Severstal sought the best available services and approached Mintek to do the work.

​6.3 Kutchatov Institute (KI), of the Russian Federation

(aa) Relevant details

SA-Russia Bilateral Agreement on Research & Development (R&D):

MINTEK, under the Joint Russia-South Africa Commission on Science & Technology (JCST) that was established in 2011 collaborated with the Kutchatov Institute (KI), of the Russian Federation, on Nanotechnology. The work centred on developing Smart Human and Animal Health Sensing using Nanotechnology.

(bb) Values

AMD (Nanoscience & Nanotechnology Group): South Africa Department of Science & Innovation (DSI)-funded programme at Mintek: R1 500 000

(cc) Time Frames

AMD (Nanoscience & Nanotechnology Group): South Africa Department of Science & Innovation (DSI)-funded programme at Mintek: Programme planned over 2014/15, 2015/16 and 2016/17. Programme concluded in 2017/18.

(dd) Goods Contracted

MINTEK was tasked with the design, development and characterization of new nanotechnology biolabels (gold-based) and Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS) systems for the detection of diseases which are prevalent in South Africa. The Kutchatov Institute (KI) was responsible for advanced materials testing and validation of these technologies. The work developed gold (Au) and silver (Ag)-based SERS sensors for the detection of human (Malaria) and animal diseases (Rift Valley Fever (RVF), Rabies and Foot and Mouth).

(ee) Reasons that the goods could not be contracted in the Republic?

AMD – A collaboration between institutes in South Africa (MINTEK) and Russia (Kutchatov Institute (KI)) carried out under a bilateral agreement between SA and Russia.

​6.4 A9 Systems and Polyus Verinskoe

(aa) Relevant details

Mintek signed a contract with A9 Systems on behalf Polyus Verinskoe. A9 Systems is a third-party distributor in Russia.

(bb) Values

Measurement and Control Division (MCD): R4 611 036

(cc) Time Frames

17 April 2019 – 26 August 2022

(dd) Goods Contracted

Mining Efficiency Automated Measurement and Controls Systems/Products:

Carbon Activity Analyzer, Cynoprobes, Carbon Concentration Meters, LeachStar Control Systems and CyLas Instruments

(N.B. These are all trademarked products manufactured at Mintek).

(ee) Reasons that the goods could not be contracted in the Republic?

No other suppliers in the Russian Federation.

​6.5 Ural Mining and Metallurgical Company (UMMC) – Uchalin Mine

(aa) Relevant details

The Division submitted a proposal for consultation work.  This are for consulting for Ural Mining and Metallurgical Company (UMMC) – Uchalin Mine. The work involves reviewing their data on processing of tailings from Au/Sb deposits and advising on a test work program and interpretation of results. The proposal for Uchalin mine has been accepted.

(bb) Values

R202 920

(cc) Time Frames

Complete by 31 August 2022

(dd) Goods Contracted

The work involves reviewing their data on the processing of tailings from Au/Sb (Gold/Antimony) deposits and advising on a test work program and interpretation of results.

(ee) Reasons that the goods could not be contracted in the Republic?

Ural Mining and Metallurgical Company (UMMC) – Uchalin Mine: No reason given.

​6.6 Ural Mining and Metallurgical Company (UMMC) – Uchalin Mine

(aa) Relevant details

The Division submitted a proposal for consultation work.  This are for consulting for Ural Mining and Metallurgical Company (UMMC) – Gai Mine. The work involves reviewing their data on processing of tailings from Au/Sb deposits and advising on a test work program and interpretation of results. The proposal for Gai Mine has yet to be accepted.

(bb) Values

R202 920

(cc) Time Frames

Complete by 31 December 2022 should the project be awarded.

(dd) Goods Contracted

The work involves reviewing their data on the processing of tailings from Au/Sb (Gold/Antimony) deposits and advising on a test work program and interpretation of results.

(ee) Reasons that the goods could not be contracted in the Republic?

Ural Mining and Metallurgical Company (UMMC) – Gai Mine: No reason given

7. NECSA

(a) N/A.

(b) Yes,

(i) N/A

(ii) Necsa concluded two once-off commercial contracts with companies based in the Russian Federation within the period in question (since 01 April 2017).

​7.1 Contract One

(aa) Necsa concluded a once-off contract with Novosibirsk Chemical Concentrates Plant

(NCCP) in November 2018.

(bb) USD 1 058 015, 00

(cc) Once-off transaction that will conclude upon delivery of the order, possibly in the financial year 2022/23. At the moment the delivery of the order is delayed by the current conflict between Russia and Ukraine.

(dd) The goods procured are LTA fuel Elements and control rods for SAFARI-1.

(ee) The rods and the fuel elements are not available in the country.

7.2 Contract Two

(aa) Necsa’s subsidiary NTP Radioisotopes concluded a once-off contract with the Center for Molecular Research (CMR) in January 2018.

(bb) USD 7000

(cc) Once-off transaction that was concluded upon delivery of goods.

(dd) The product that was procured was Ytterbium - 176 (Raw Material used in the

production of Lutetium)

(ee) This isotope is only produced in Russia and is sometimes available through

distributors based in the USA but no such distributors are available in Africa.

8. SANEDI

a) N/A

b) No commercial contract was concluded between the entity and Russian Federation.

(i) No contract concluded

(ii No contract concluded since 01 April 2017

(aa) N/A

(bb) N/A

(cc) N/A

(dd) N/A

(ee) N/A

9. SADPMR

(a) N/A

(b) No

(i) No

(ii) No, the Entity is guided by the decision of the DMRE and Government

(aa) N/A

(bb) N/A

(cc) N/A

(dd) N/A

(ee) N/A

10. NERSA

a) N/A

b) No commercial contract was concluded between the entity and Russian Federation

(i)No contract concluded

(ii) No contract concluded since 01 April 2017

(aa) N/A

(bb) N/A

(cc) N/A

(dd) N/A

(ee) N/A

11. NNR

(a) N/A

(b) No

(i) N/A

(ii) No position

(aa) N/A

(bb) N/A

(cc) N/A

(dd) N/A

(ee) N/A

Reply:

1. Yes, it is the responsibility of the Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy to establish a Cadastral system.
2. The Department engaged SITA to initiative the procurement of the system and the evaluation of the proposal was concluded in October 2021. To date the Department is awaiting the recommendation letter from SITA in order to appoint the successful bidder.
3. The budget for the system has been included in the Departmental Budget.

 

Reply:

a) No incidents of (i) sexual harassment and (ii) sexual assault were reported in the department (aa) in each of the past three financial years and (bb) since April 2021, (b) number of cases opened (i) were five (5), (ii) no case was withdrawn and (iii) three (3) cases remain open/pending (c) sanctions meted out against persons found guilty were dismissal (3 cases) and one month suspension without pay (2 cases).

Reply:

The high diesel prices globally are a direct results of the ongoing conflict in Eastern Europe. The supply of diesel to Europe from Russian Federation has been disrupted as a result of sanctions thus creating a major diesel shortage globally.

The government has intervened by reducing the fuel levy by R1.50 per litre over a period of two months. This intervention came at a cost of R6 billion to the State and benefited both diesel and petrol users.

Reply:

Allegations of soliciting a bribe against the former Director-General of the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy came to light during legal proceedings instituted by DNG Power Holdings (Pty) Ltd in which the Director-General was cited as 3rd Respondent in his official capacity. The allegations related, amongst others, to corruption during the tender process for the procurement of an emergency supply of 200 megawatts of general capacity under the Risk Mitigation Independent Power Procurement Programme.

Subsequently, the Gauteng Division of the South African High Court dismissed the application with cost and held that corruption in relation to the impugned tender process could not be established. This judgement is currently on appeal to the Supreme Court of Appeal.

Having regard to the Court’s ruling and considering that this matter is being investigated by appropriate authorities, a departmental investigation into the allegations would be inappropriate and unjustified. Moreover, there is currently no employment relationship, as the term of the employment contract with the former Director-General has since expired.

Reply:

It is the mandate of the department to ensure security of energy supply. The Department delivers on this mandate through the development of policy and regulations, energy planning and the facilitation of investment into the sector.

In line with the government investment drive, the department intends to continue to attract private sector investment into the energy sector including renewable energy. It must be noted that there is no law prohibiting organs of state from investing in the energy sector and the department has through the IRP 2019 and Electricity Regulations on New Generation Capacity further clarified this.

Reply:

(1) The renewal application of the mining right is still under consideration.

 

Reply:

The mining right was issued on 24 February 2007 and in terms of section 25(2)(b) the holder must commence with mining operations within one year from the date of issuing.

Reply:

(a)(i) Number of mining right holders that are complying is 48

(ii) Number of mining right holders that are not in compliance is 51

(b) Directives and orders in terms of section 29 and 93 of MPRDA were issued to those mining right holders who does not comply

(c) The publishing of SLP is not only limited to website, but some companies also publish in their website while most Mines are publishing in Tribal Authority, Local Municipalities and Libraries for easy access to community they are operating around.