Mineral Resources

2010-08-17

THIS FILE CONTAINS 25 REPLIES.

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QUESTION NUMBER 3451

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 26 NOVEMBER 2010

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NUMBER 39)

3451. Adv H C Schmidt (DA) to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources:

(1) With reference to her reply to question 3022 on 15 November 2010, what (a) minerals are to be mined by the African Exploration Mining and Finance Corporation at the Vlakfontein mine, (b) is the expected date of commencement of mining and (c) is the intended lifespan of the mine;

(2) whether the state is the sole owner of the Vlakfontein mine; if not, what are the (a) names of the other entities that share joint ownership, (b) details of the different interests held by each of these entities and (c) further relevant details? NW4285E

REPLY

(1) (a) Coal;

(b) 01 April 2011

(2) Yes

(a) Not applicable

(b) Not applicable

QUESTION NUMBER 3313

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 12 NOVEMBER 2010

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NUMBER 37)

3313. Mr N Singh (IFP) to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources:

Whether the Government has any (a) short- and (b) long-term objectives regarding the nationalisation of the mining sector; if not, why not, in each case; if so, what are the relevant details in each case? NW4138E

REPLY

Nationalisation is not a policy of Government.

(a) N/A

(b) N/A

QUESTION NUMBER 3244

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 12 NOVEMBER 2010

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NUMBER 37)

3244. Dr P J Rabie (DA) to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources:

What is the (a) total cost and (b) number of copies of each (i) annual report and (ii) report on strategic plans that was produced by (aa) her department and (bb) any of its entities in the 2009-10 financial year? NW4059E

REPLY

(i) Annual Report		(ii) Strategic Plan
Name of Department/Entity	(b) No of Copies	(a) Amount R	(b) No of Copies			(a) Amount R
(aa) Department
Mineral Resources	700	252 141.67	1000		125 305.38
(bb) Entities
MINTEK	1000	93 705.38	50		2 750.00
SADPMR	1500	181 959.00	0		0
Council For Geoscience	250 hard copies and 200 cd's	125 353.73	No external bulk printing-the strategic plan document is internally printed on demand and the costs are part of the stationery
State Diamond Trader	600	49 216.16	0	0
Mine Health and Safety Council	400	83 868.66	0	0

QUESTIONNUMBER 3157

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 5 NOVEMBER 2010

QNTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NUMBER 36)

3157 Adv H C Schmidt (DA) to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources:

(a) For what location in the Free State was each of the (i) prospecting and (ii) mining rights awarded to (aa) each applicant and (bb) in particular (aaa) Imperial Crown Trading and (bbb) African Exploration Mining and Finance Corporation (Pty) Ltd and (b) for which minerals have the (i) exploration and (ii) mining rights been issued in each case since 1 January 2010? NW3960E

REPLY

The following applications were granted since 01 January 2010.

COMPANY

LOCATION

COMMODITY

TYPE OF RIGHT

Imperial Trading Crown

Kroonstad

Coal

Prospecting Right

African Exploration Mining and Finance Corporation

Kroonstad parys

· Coal

· Copper

· Diamond

· Gold

· Iron Ore

· Lead

· PGM

· Silver

· Sulphur

· Uranium

· Zinc

· Nickel

Prospecting Right

QUESTION NUMBER 3151

DATE OF PUBUCATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 5 NOVEMBER 2010

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NUMBER 36)

3151. Dr L L Bosman (DA) to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources:

(1) Whether any agricultural research institutes are currently registered to her department; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (a) what are the names of these institutes and (b) how long have they been registered to her department

(2) whether she has been informed of any mining activities occurring at any of these research institutes; if so.

(3) whether her department has received any monetary compensation for these mining activities; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NW3951E

REPLY

(1) No. Agricultural Research Institutes do not register with the Department of Mineral Resources.

(2) Not applicable

(3) Not applicable

Reply received: December 2013

QUESTION NUMBER: 3142 ADVANCE NOTICE NO: NW 3700 E

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 15 November 2013

INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NUMBER: 38

3142. Mr K S Mubu (DA) to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources:

Whether her department received any funds for the Expanded Public Works Programme in the (a) 2010-11, (b) 2011-12 and (c) 2012-13 financial years;

( 2) whether any of these funds were earmarked for (a) capital or (b) infrastructure related projects; if so, (1) what are the names of these projects, (2) where are these projects situated, (3) what is the value of each project and (4) how many jobs have been created by each projects;

(3) in each case, what process was followed to appoint project (a) implementers and (b) consultants;

(4) in each case, were funds transferred to project implementers (a) in a lump sum or (b) through progress payment;

whether any projects have been impeded due to maladministration or corruption; if so, (a) which projects have been affected and (b) what action has been taken in each case? NW3700E

REPLY

(1) No (a), (b) and (c)
(2) N/A
(3) N/A
(4) N/A
(5) N/A

Approved/not approved

Ms S Shabangu
Minister
Date Submitted: 3 December 2013

QUESTION NUMBER 3098

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 29 October 2010 (INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NUMBER 34)

3098. Adv A de W Alberts (FF Plus) to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources:

(1) How many (a) prospecting and (b) mining rights has her department allocated to the African Exploration Mining and Finance Corporation (Pty) Ltd (AEMFC);

(2) how many of the applications for prospecting rights submitted to her department by the AEMFC must still be processed;

(3) what was the exposition by the AEMFC in respect of the funding structure for each application for (a) prospecting and (b) mineral rights applied for by and awarded to it;

(4) whether she has introduced any measures to ensure transparency regarding the allocation of mineral and prospecting rights to the AEMFC; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NW3827E

REPL Y

(a) 27 prospecting rights; and 1 (b) 01 mining right has been granted and/or issued in favour of African Exploration Mining and Finance Corporation (Pty) Ltd (AEMFC).

94 applications for prospecting rights and 01 mining right application have been submitted by AEMFC and are still in process.

AEMFC has been exempted from the provisions of sections 16, 20, 22 and 27 of the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act, 2002 (28 of 2002)

Applications (of AEMFC) for prospecting and mining rights are being adjudicated in the same manner as any other such applications in terms of the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act, 2002 (28 of 2002).

QUESTION NUMBER 3022

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 29 October 2010 (INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NUMBER 34)

3022. Adv H C Schmidt (DA) to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources:

(1) Whether the launch of the first mine to be operated by the African Exploration Mining and Finance Corporation (AEMFC) was held recently at the site of the Vlakfontein mine; if 50, (a) who attended the launch (b) when is the mine expected to start operating, (c) what minerals are to be mined and (d) what is the intended life span of the mine;

(2) whether the mine at Vlakfontein is part of a joint venture with an individual or entity; if 50, (a) what is the name of the person or entity and (b) what are the particulars of the joint venture? NW3739E

REPLY

(1) No

(2) N/A

QUESTION NUMBER 2914

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 22 October 2010 (INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NUMBER 32)

2914. Adv H C Schmidt (DA) to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources:

With reference to her reply to question 2706 on 11 October 2010, (a) for which geographical areas has the (i) one mining right and (ii) 27 prospecting applications been granted to a certain company (name furnished), (b) for which minerals have the rights been awarded for each of the prospecting and mining rights respectively and (c) what are the (i) names of the current board of directors and/or (ii) relevant details of the members of the boards of directors of the said company?

NW3603E

Reply

(a)(i)(ii) and (b) Please see the table below:

Regions			Mining Rights		Prospecting Rights		Commodities
1 Limpopo					08
LP 2744 PR							Coal
LP 2743 PR							Chrome are, cobalt, Gold are, Iron are, Manganese are, Nickel are, Phosphate are and PGM's
LP 2742 PR							Coal, and Uranium Ore
LP 2686 PR							Lithium, Ore
LP 2587 PR							Rare Earths
LP 2565 PR							Limestone
LP 2560 PR							Coal
LP 2673 PR							Chrome Ore and Nickel Ore
2. Gauteng					01
GP 492 PR							Coal
3. Free State					08
FS 920 PR							Coal, Copper Ore, Gold Ore, Molybdenum Ore, Nickel Ore, PGM's, Rare Earths and Uranium Ore.
FS 915 PR							Coal
FS 897 PR							Coal, Copper, Iron Ore, Lead, Manganese Ore, Molybdenum Ore, Nickel Ore, PGM's, Rare Earths, and Uranium Ore.
FS 893 PR							Coal
FS 892 PR							Coal
FS 723 PR							Coal
FS 802 PR							Coal
FS 801 PR							Gold Ore and Uranium Ore
4. Mpumalanga		01			05
MP 436 MR							Coal
MP 4161 PR							Coal
MP 1409 PR							Coal and Torbanite / Oil Shale
MP 0223 PR							Coal
MP 0213 PR							Coal
MP 0212 PR							Coal
5. Northern Cape					03		Manganese Ore, Molybdenum Ore Vanadium Ore and Uranium Ore
NC 2000 PR
NC 1932 PR							Diamonds (General)
NC 1930 PR							Diamonds (General)
6. Eastern Cape					01
EC 0111 PR						Limestone
7. KwaZulu Natal				01
KZN 657 PR						Coal and Uranium Ore
TOTAL	01			27

(c)(i) and (ii) Details with regard to the Board of Directors of African Exploration Mining and Finance Corporation (pty) Ltd can be obtained on this website: www.cefgroup.co.za

QUESTION NUMBER 2903

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 22 October 2010 (INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NUMBER 32)

2903. Mr M J Ellis (DA) to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources:

(1) Whether her department intends placing a moratorium on awarding mining licences in and alongside estuaries; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;

(2) whether her department has a policy that governs mining in and alongside estuaries; if so, what are the relevant details; if not,

(3) whether her department intends drafting plans for such a policy; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NW3592E

Reply

(1) No. The provisions of section 39 of the MPDA and Regulations 50 and 51 prescribe the process that governs decision making in such instances.

(2) No, See (1) above

(3) No, See (1) above

QUESTION NUMBER 2902

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 22 October 2010 (INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NUMBER 32)

2902. Mr M J Ellis (DA) to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources:

(1) Whether, with reference to her reply to (a) question 1604 on 2 June 2010 and (b) question 2672 on 4 October 2010, a certain person (name furnished) has (i) since stopped the mining operations and (ii) begun rehabilitating all disturbances beyond the permitted area; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;

(2) whether any further steps have been taken against the said person; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NW3591 E

Response (1):

(1)(i) CN Shabalala has not stopped the mining operations on the land that forms the subject of questions 1604 and 2672 above

(ii) based on information at hand, CN Shabalala has not yet rehabilitated the disturbances beyond the permitted area.

C N Shabalala was found mining beyond the boundaries of his permitted area (on land rather than the river as per the mining permit) and was served with a section 93 order to stop operations and was also instructed to clearly demarcate their operations and to rehabilitate areas disturbed beyond the permitted area.

The matter has been reported to the National Prosecuting Authority.

(2) The Ethekwini Municipality (the land owner) is liaising with the Department of Mineral Resources to collate information in relation to the area disturbed beyond the permitted area with a view to open a case against CN Shabalala.

QUESTION NUMBER 2829

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 18 October 2010

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NUMBER 31)

2829. Mr I 0 Davidson (DA) to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources:

With reference to her reply to question 2706 on 11 October 2010, (a) where are each of the (i) mining rights and (ii) prospecting rights awarded to the African Exploration and Finance Corporation located and (b) what is being mined or prospected for in each case?

NW351 DE

Reply

Regions	Mining Rights	Prospecting Rights	Commodities
1 Limpopo		08
LP 2744 PR			Coal
LP 2743 PR			Chrome Ore, cobalt, Gold Ore, Iron Ore, Manganese Ore, Nickel Ore, Phosphate Ore and PGM's
LP 2742 PR			Coal, and Uranium Ore
LP 2686 PR			Lithium, Ore
LP 2587 PR			Rare Earths
LP 2565 PR			Limestone
LP 2560 PR			Coal
LP 2673 PR			Chrome Ore and Nickel Ore
. Gauteng		01
GP 492 PR			Coal
3. Free State		08

FS 920 PR			Coal, Copper Ore, Gold Ore, Molybdenum Ore, Nickel Ore, PGM's Rare Earth and Uranium Ore
FS 915 PR			Coal
FS 897 PR			Coal, Copper, Iron Ore, Lead, Manganese Ore, Molybdenum Ore, Nickel Ore, PGM's, Rare Earths, and Uranium Ore.
FS 893 PR			Coal
FS 892 PR			Coal
FS 723 PR			Coal
FS 802 PR			Coal
FS 801 PR			Gold Ore and Uranium Ore
4. Mpumalanga	01	05
MP 436 MR			Coal
MP4161 PR			Coal
MP 0223 PR			Coal
MP 0213 PR			Coal
MP 0212 PR			Coal
5. Northern Cape		03
NC 2000 PR			Manganese Ore, Molybdenum Ore Vanadium Ore and Uranium Ore
NC 1932 PR			Diamonds (General)
NC 1930 PR			Diamonds (General)
6, Eastern Cape		01	Diamonds (General)
EC 0111 PR			Limestone
7. KwaZulu Natal		01
KZN 657 PR			Coal and Uranium Ore
TOTAL	01	27

QUESTION NUMBER 2751

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 23 SEPTEMBER 2010

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NUMBER 30)

2751. Adv H C Schmidt (DA) to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources:

Whether she intends introducing any systems/policies to ensure that the application process for mineral rights is more transparent to (a) the applicants and (b) the public; if not, why not; if so, (i) when will such systems/policies be implemented and (ii) what are the further relevant details? NW3423E

REPLY

(a) Yes

(b) Yes

(i) The department of Mineral Resources is currently developing such a system, aspects of which will be rolled out before the end o f the moratorium period.

(ii) See (b)(i) above

QUESTION NUMBER 2750

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 23 SEPTEMBER 2010

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NUMBER 30)

2750. Adv H C Schmidt (DA) to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources:

(1) Whether she intends utilising independent auditing firms to assist her department in the internal audit of applications submitted to the department; if not, why not; if so,

(2) whether she will make use of a public tender process; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NW3422E

REPLY

No. The department has put together an internal multi-disciplinary team to conduct these audits.

(1) No. See 1 above

QUESTION NUMBER 2718

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 23 SEPTEMBER 2010

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NUMBER 30)

2718. Mr E J Marais (DA) to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources:

(1) How many staff members within her department are assigned the responsibility of inspecting the process of the rehabilitation of mines;

(2) whether she has been informed that the total number of inspectors are insufficient; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what measures will she implement to ensure that there is a sufficient number of inspectors? NW3387E

REPLY

(1) Eight staff members

(2) A recommendation on a structure with more officers was made and approved internally; the Department is awaiting approval from DPSA.

QUESTION NUMBER 2717
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 23 SEPTEMBER 2010 (INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NUMBER 30)

2717. Mr E J Marais (DA) to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources:

Whether she has established any steps in terms of a plan to compel the rehabilitation of abandoned mines by owners who were issued with mining licences before the implementation of the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development (MPRDA) Act, Act 28 of 2002; if not, why not; if so, what steps? NW3386E

REPLY

No. Section 43 of the MPRDA and the Regulations prescribe the procedure to be followed in cases where holders abandon mining rights, until which time such holders remain liable for rehabilitation.

QUESTION NUMBER 2706

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 23 SEPTEMBER 2010

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NUMBER 30)

2706. Adv H C Schmidt (DA) to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources:

(1) Whether, in light of the consideration to form a state-owned company dealing in mineral affairs, any applications for mineral rights have been received from a state-owned entity; if so, what are the names of such entities;

(2) whether any applications for mineral rights have been (a) approved and (b) issued by her department to these entities to date; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details of the mineral rights awarded to the state-owned entities? NW3374E

REPLY

(1) African Exploration Mining and Finance Corporation (Pty) Ltd

(2) Yes

a. Granted one mining right and 27 prospecting rights

b. Issued 9 prospecting rights

QUESTION NUMBER 2680

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 17 SEPTEMBER 2010

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NUMBER 29)

2680. Adv H C Schmidt (DA) to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources:

(1) Whether, with reference to her media statement made in Pretoria on 17 August 2010, all applications that have been submitted to her department since 1 April 2004 will be audited; if not, (a) why not and (b) from which date will the application be audited; if so, what are the relevant details;

(2) whether applications pertaining to (a) prospecting and (b) mining rights and/or permits will be audited; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;

(3) whether applications submitted to all regional offices will be audited; if not, (a) why not and (b) at which regional offices will these audits be conducted; if so, what are the relevant details;

(4) whether applications that have (a) been accepted but not yet approved and (b) not been accepted but submitted to the department will be audited; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;

(5) whether her department has the necessary (a) capacity, (b) skill and (c) expertise to undertake the internal audit on its own; if not, what steps has she taken to ensure that the internal audit is finalised within the stated six month period; if so, what are the relevant details? NW3342E

REPLY

(1) Yes. All categories of rights and permits granted, issued and registered will be audited.

(a) See 1 above

(b) During the moratorium period

(2) See 1 above

(3) See 1 above

(4) (a) No.

(b) No. These applications are still in process.

(5) (a) Yes

(b) Yes

process

QUESTION NUMBER 2679

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 17 SEPTEMBER 2010

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NUMBER 29)

2679. Adv H C Schmidt (DA) to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources:

(1) Whether, in light of her media statement of 17 August 2010, the issuing of duplicate mineral rights to more than one company in respect of the same minerals will be audited by an independent auditor; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;

(2) whether her department intends cancelling a (a) mining and/or (b) prospecting right/permit issued to one or more entities after it had been issued to more than one company; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details;

(3) whether her department will approach a court to review the issuing of a right granted and issued to an entity following an internal audit in respect of the rights that have been duplicated; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;

(4) what process will she and/or her department follow to reverse or withdraw the rights approved and/or issued to entities? NW3341E

REPLY

(1) No. The Department of Mineral Resources has not issued duplicate mineral rights;

(2) No. Cancellation of a mining and/or prospecting right/permit under circumstances stated in this question, would depend on the outcome of a proper investigation and collation of facts;

(3) It depends on findings/outcomes as referred to in (2) above; and

(4) See (3) above.

QUESTION NUMBER 2676

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 17 SEPTEMBER 2010

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NUMBER 29)

2676. Mr M J Ellis (DA) to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources:

(1) (a) How many staff members of her department work in roles related to compliance and enforcement of environmental management plans of mines and (b) what is the breakdown of this number according to staff allocated to the (i) national office and [ii) regional offices;

(2) what is the (a) name, (b) designation, (c) offices attachmen1 and (d) highest educational qualification of each staff member who works in compliance and enforcement of environmental management plans;

(3) how many vacancies are there for staff who work in compliance and enforcement of environmental management plans (a) at national level and (b) In the regional offices?

REPLY:

(1) (a) The total number of staff members working in roles related to compliance and enforcement of environmental management plan5 of mines is 84,

(b)(i) 3 at National Office and

(ii) 81 at Regional Offices.

(2) (a) The officials concerned are those appointed in terms of the Public service Act of 1994, as amended.

(b) 12 Officials are Deputy Directors Environment 29 Assistant Directors Environment and 43 are Environmental Officers.

(d)The mrnimum qualification requirement for appointment of such officials is a three year Tertiary qualification in Environmental Science or Environmental Management.

(3) See attached summary

QUESTION NUMBER 2673

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 17 SEPTEMBER 2010

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NUMBER 29)

2673. Mrs S V Kaylan (DA) to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources:

(1) Whether her department intends improving its geographical information system (GIS) for the monitoring of mining operations; if not, why not; if so,

(2) whether her department uses aerial maps as an early warning system for the uncovering of illegal mining operations; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NW3333E

REPLY

(1) No. The Department does not have a Geographical Information System, However, the Department is in a process of adapting existing systems to include Geographical Information System capabilities.

(2) No. The Department does not have such facilities.

QUESTION NUMBER 2672

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 17 SEPTEMBER 2010

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NUMBER 29)

2672. Mrs S V Kalyan (DA) to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources:

(1) Whether, with reference to her reply to question 1604 on 2 June 2010, a certain person (name furnished) has since commenced sand mining operations; if not, how was this conclusion reached; if so, when did operations begin;

(2) whether this operation is complying with its permit conditions; if not, how was this conclusion reached; if so, what are the relevant details;

(3) whether any action has been taken against this operation for deviations from its permit conditions since it commenced operations; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;

(4) what are the (a) dates of all visits by officials of her department to ascertain compliance with permit conditions and (b)(i) names and (ii) designations of officials who conducted the specified visits? NW3332E

REPLY

(1) Yes, the person in question has commenced operations since the response

We are unaware of the exact date, but operations commenced between June and July 2010

(2) No, the applicant initially operated beyond the boundaries of the permitted site. The conclusion was reached by comparing the site being mined with the regulation 2 (2) plan for his permitted area.

(3) The applicant was issued with a section 93 order, and instructed to stop operations and rehabilitate all disturbances beyond their permitted area. In addition, CN Shabalala was instructed to demarcate the mining permit area as per their regulation 2 (2) plan.

(4) (i) Date of inspection: 15/07/2010

Officials: Z Zulu (Assistant Director: Mineral Law Adminstration)

N E Qhwaya (Environmental Officer)

(ii) Date of Inspection: 03/09/2010

Officials: S P Mkhize (Principal Environment Officer)

N S Khumalo (Environmental Officer)

NB: The abovementioned inspections were both jointly conducted with Ethekwini Municipality environmental compliance unit.

Reply received: December 2013

QUESTION NUMBER: 2620 ADVANCE NOTICE NO: NW 3108E

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 11 October 2013
INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NUMBER: 32

2620. Mr J R B Lorimer (DA) to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources:

(1) How does someone access the central registry to ascertain which land is available for (a) prospecting and (b) exploration;
(2) why is this registry not accessible on her department's website;
(3) whether plans are in place to enable access to this registry on her department's website? NW3108E

REPLY

1) The central registry for prospecting is accessible through the SAMRAD system and exploration is accessible at Petroleum Agency of South Africa.
2) It is accessible through the SAMRAD link
3) See above

QUESTION NUMBER 2591

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 13 SEPTEMBER 2010

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NUMBER 28)

2591. Adv H C Schmidt (DA) to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources:

(1) Whether the Government intends forming a state-owned enterprise (SOE) to deal with mineral affairs; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (a) what steps will be taken to implement the SOE, (b) when is it envisioned that the SOE will commence conducting its affairs and (c) what is the SOE's (i) intended structure and (ii) purpose;

(2) whether a certain corporation (name furnished) will form part of the SOE; if not, why not; if so, (a) which other entities will form part of the SOE and (b) what are the further relevant details? NW3237E

REPLY

(1) The Government already has entities actively participating in mining, such as Alexkor

a. N/A

b. N/A

c. i. N/A

ii. N/A

iii. N/A

(2) N/A

QUESTION NUMBER 2590

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 13 SEPTEMBER 2010

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NUMBER 28)

2590. Adv H C Schmidt (DA) to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources:

(1) Whether her department granted a certain company (name furnished) mineral prospecting rights in terms of the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Act, Act 28 of 2002, (MPRDA); if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (a) in terms of which section of the MPRDA were these mineral rights awarded and (b) what are the further relevant details;

(2) whether any other entities are currently actively mining the same minerals; if not, how was this conclusion reached; if so, (a) what are the reasons for awarding the same mineral rights to the company and (b) what are the further relevant details;

(3) whether any other entities lodged an application to mine the same minerals; if so, what are the relevant details? NW3236E

REPLY

(1) Yes, a prospecting right has been issued to the company in question
(a) In terms of section 17 of the MPRDA

(b) The said prospecting right was issued for minerals associated with the Platinum Group Metals (Chrome, Copper, Nickel and Cobalt)

(2) No

(a) No applicable
(b) The two companies concerned have rights to different minerals on different reefs.

(3) No, no one other than the aforesaid companies have applied to mine the same minerals

QUESTION NUMBER 2585
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 13 SEPTEMBER 2010 (INTERNAL QUESION PAPER NUMBER. 28)
2585. Mr P J C Pretorius (DA) to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources:

(1) (a) What(i) amount was spent on the rehabilitation of derelict and abandoned mines in each of the past three financial years and (Ii) was !he budget allocation for !he rehabilitation of these minas in each of the past three financial years and (b}(i) how many staff members were employed on a full time basis to manage and oversee these projects and (ii) what Is the (aa) name, {bb} designation and (cc) qualification of each staff member;

(2) whether she sought any financial or other assistance from the private sector In the past three financial years to assist her department In its efforts to rehabilitate these mines; if not, why not; If so, (a) what assistance was (i) offered by the private sector aid (ii) accepted by her department end (b) what are the further relevant details? NW3221E

REPLY

(1)(a)(i) 200712008	R36. 030,916.63
2008/2009	R30,231,521.92
2009/2010	R13.164,683.76
(ii) 2007/2008	R46, 646,000.00
2008/2009	R42,921,888.00
2009/2010	R47.499.000.00

(b)(i) None. The project was managed by the Department during the course of its normal operational functions

(ii) (a) The officials involved are the officials within the formal structures of the Department of Mineral Resources.

(2) No, no liable entity could be traced

QUESTION NUMBER 2583

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 13 SEPTEMBER 2010

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NUMBER 28)

2583. Mr P J C Pretorius (DA) to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources:

Whether she has taken any steps to ensure that a certain mining company (name furnished) has made funds available for the rehabilitation of land in and around the former Bute asbestos mine and the village of Heuningvlei in the Northern Cape; if so, (a) what amount was made available, (b) when were the funds made available, (c) where are the funds invested, (d)(i) what portion of the funds has been spent to date and (ii) on what projects, (e) what is the current value of the funds and (f) how are the funds accounted for? NW3226E

REPLY

(a) No. Funds were made available through a court order

(b) From 01 September 2004

(d) (i) A total of R23 945 976.69 has been spent to date

(ii) Earthworks and Fencing for Bute Mine and Blue Heuningvlei road

(e) The current value of these funds was R40.7 million with accrued interest as at 31 August 2010

(f) The funds are kept in a separate Bank Account and are accounted for separately by the Department of Mineral Resources when reporting

QUESTION NUMBER 2577

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 13 SEPTEMBER 2010

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NUMBER 28)

2577. Mr E J Marais (DA) to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources:

Whether her department intends capacitating the Mineral Regulation branch to ensure that the rehabilitation of abandoned mines is done timeously, is measured and followed up; if not, why not; if so, (a) how and (b) what are the further relevant details? NW3219E

REPLY

The department has increased capacity in the Mine Environmental Policy and Research Development unit which has always been a directorate and has now been upgraded into a Chief Directorate with more capacity in the Chief Directorate. Over and above that, three staff members who were resident within Mineral Regulation have been transferred to the new Chief Directorate.

QUESTION NUMBER 2573

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 13 SEPTEMBER 2010

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NUMBER 28)

2573. Adv H C Schmidt (DA) to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources:

(1) Whether she has been informed that a certain mine (details furnished) has been abandoned since November 2009; if so, what are the relevant details;

(2) whether she will investigate the matter; if not, why not; if so,

(3) whether any action will be taken against the mining company for abandoning the mine; if not, why not; if so, what action;

(4) how will her department handle the closure of the mine;

(5) what (a) was the date of the last inspection of the mine by officials of her department and (b) are the (i) names and (ii) designations of the persons who conducted the inspection? NW3215E

REPLY

(1) No

(2) No

(3) No

(4) Not applicable

(5) (a) The inspection was conducted on 17 September 2010, by the Office of the Regional Manager

(b) (i) Regional Manager

QUESTION NUMBER 2522
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 13 SEPTEMBER 2010 ONTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NUMBER 28)
2522. Mr P F Smith (IFP) to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources:

(1) Whether, with reference to a certain mining operation (name furnished), It complied with the conditions of its water licence by reducing the iron concentration in nine water before the water is discharged; If so how was this conclusion reached; if not.

(2) Whether the mining operation discharged contaminated water during the period 1 January 2010 to March 31 into Blesbokspruit river, upstream from the Ramsar recognised Marlevale bird sanctuary; If not, What is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details? NW2895E

REPLY

1. It is not the Department of Mineral Resources, but the Department of Water Affairs that is responsible for water use licences.

2. See 1 above

QUESTION NUMBER 2460
DATE OF PUBUCATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 3 SEPTEMBER 2010 (INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NUMBER 26)
2460. Mr E J Marais (DA) to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources:

How will her department's new integrated electronic applications administrative system deal with mine license and prospecting applications in Ramsar areas? NW3029E

REPLY

The National Mining Promotion System itself does not provide for Ramsar areas.

QUESTION NUMBER 2459

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 3 SEPTEMBER 2010

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NUMBER 26)

2459. Mr E J Marais (DA) to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources:

(1) As at the latest specified date for which information is available, what is the backlog of (a) mine license and (b) mine prospecting applications;

(2) whether her department has the capacity to deal with these backlogs; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;

(3) what is the anticipated time frame for the finalisation of these backlog applications?

NW3028E

REPLY

(1) The information relating to backlog is one of the issues to be addressed during the moratorium period.

(2) Yes, the Department is re-aligning its business processes and activities which includes the relocation of the Chief Directors to Regions to improve on service delivery and fast track the processing of applications.

(3) End of February 2011.

QUESTION NUMBER 2408

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 30 AUGUST 2010

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NUMBER 25

2408. Adv H C Schmidt (DA) to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources:

Whether (a) her department or (b) any of its entities has signed any contractual agreements with a certain company (name furnished) or any of its affiliates (i) in the (aa) 2006-07, (bb) 2007-08, (cc) 2008-09 and (dd) 2009-10 financial years and (ii) during the period 1 April 2010 up to the latest specified date for which information is available; if so, (aaa) what is the nature of each contract, (bbb) what is the monetary value of each contract, (ccc) what is the (aaaa) start and (bbbb) end date of each contract, (ddd) what are the details of the process that was followed for the signing of each contract, (eee) who else tendered for each contract that was awarded and (fff) what amount did each tenderer quote in each case? NW2977E

REPLY

The Department of Mineral Resources and its entities have never signed any contractual agreement with the company in question for all the specified periods.

QUESTION NUMBER 2388

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 30 AUGUST 2010

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NUMBER 25

2388. Mr G R Morgan (DA) to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources:

(1) What is the name and designation of the official who granted the new-order mining right to Coal of Africa to mine near Mapungubwe;

(2) whether all procedures as prescribed by the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act, Act 28 of 2002, were followed in the awarding of this mining right; if not, what will be done to rectify the situation; if so, how was this conclusion reached;

(3) whether there are any appeals against the awarding of this mining right; if so, what are the relevant details;

(4) whether she will suspend the mining right while any appeals are being considered; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NW2957E

REPLY

(1) The Director-General of the Department of Mineral Resources granted the right in terms of section 103 of MPRDA

(2) Yes, the right was granted following due consideration of the granting criteria stipulated in terms of section 23 of MPRDA

(3) There are appeals that have been lodged with the Department in terms of section 96(1) against the decision of the Director-General to grant a right to Coal of Africa. In this case, the appeal is addressed to the Minister since the decision was taken by the Director-General. The appeals are still in process.

(4) No, the mining right will not be suspended at this stage. An appeal does not suspend a decision.

QUESTION NUMBER 2386

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 30 AUGUST 2010

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NUMBER 25

2386. Mr M J Ellis (DA) to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources:

(1) (a) When did a certain mining company (name furnished) operating on the Vanggatfontein en Welgelegen farms in the Delmas area receive its prospecting licence, (b) what is the (i) name and (ii) designation of the official who granted this licence and (c) what does the prospecting licence allow the said mining company to do on these properties;

(2) whether she has been informed that this mine is now fully operational and selling coal to Eskom; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, how can this be justified;

(3) whether, considering that the said mining company is now extracting coal at this site, the mine has been awarded a mining licence; if not, what will be done to rectify the situation; if so, what, in terms of the mining licence, can the mining company extract from the site? NW2955E

REPLY

(1) (a) The prospecting right was issues to Iyanga Mining (Pty) Ltd on 21 February 2008, and approval for bulk sampling was issues on 8 March 2010

(b) (i)(ii) The Deputy Director-General: Mineral Regulation Branch of the Department of Mineral Resources granted the right in terms of section 103 of MPRDA and the bulk sampling was approved by the Acting Deputy Director-General under delegated authority.

(c) Iyanga Mining was granted approval for bulk sampling for metallurgical testing at Eskom's Duvha Power Station to the amount of 500 000 tons.

(2) No. She has not been informed that the mine fully operational. The position is that, she is informed that the company is providing 500 000 tons of coal to Eskom for bulk testing purposes, in terms of provisions of section 20 of the MPRDA.

(3) No. A mining license has not been awarded as yet. The situation does not require rectification as a bulk sampling authorisation has been approved. The company can provide 500 000 tons of coal to Eskom's Duvha Power Station.

QUESTION NUMBER 2368

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 30 AUGUST 2010

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NUMBER 25

2368. Mr E J Marais (DA) to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources:

Whether he had received the audited statements of the Namakwaland Diamond Fund Trust (NDFT) for each of the past five financial years indicating the royalties paid to this trust by mining companies in the Richtersveld area; if not, why not; if so, (a)(i)(aa) which specified communities benefited from this trust, (bb) in terms of which projects did they benefit and (cc) what amounts were spent on these projects and (ii) how did the communities benefit and (b) what are the further relevant details? NW2937E

REPLY

(i) (aa) N/A

(bb) N/A

(cc) N/A

(ii) (a) N/A

(b) N/A

QUESTION NUMBER 2367

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 30 AUGUST 2010

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NUMBER 25

2367. Mr E J Marais (DA) to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources:

(a) What amounts did her department allocate to Alexkor in the (i) 2005-06, (ii) 2006-07, (iii) 2007-08, (iv) 2008-09 and (v) 2009-10 financial years, (b) for what projects were these amounts ring-fenced and (c) what amounts have been spent on these projects to date? NW2936E

REPLY

(a) (i) to (v) R0

(b) N/A

QUESTION NUMBER 2284

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 20 AUGUST 2010

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NUMBER 23)

2284. Mr M J Ellis (DA) to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources:

(1) (a) How many hectares of high-potential soils (i) are there currently, and (ii) existed on, the Mpumalanga Highveld in 2004 and (b) on how many hectares of high potential soils have mining rights been granted as at the latest specified date for which information is available;

(2) whether her department takes any action when a mining right application is lodged on redistributed farms; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;

(3) (a) on how many of the redistributed farms on the Mpumalanga Highveld (i) has a mining right been granted and (ii) is a mining right application pending and (b) what is the name of the farm in each case? NW2793E

REPLY

1) (a) The Department does not have data on High-potential soils.

(i) see (a) above

(ii) see (a) above

2) No, no specific action is taken since the department deals with such matters in terms of the provisions of the Act relating to directly affected parties. In terms of provisions of section 22(4)(b), of the MPRDA, Act 28 of 2002 it is the responsibility of the applicant to consult interested and affected parties, such affected parties including the landowner who in this case will be the community benefiting from re-distributed land. Section 39 (3) (b) (ii) of the MPRDA provides that the applicant for a mining right must investigate, assess and evaluate the impact of the proposed mining operation on the socio-economic conditions of any person who might be directly affected by the mining operation, which impacts must be addressed by the applicant in terms of Regulation 50(f).

3) (a) (i) This information is not available since the Department does keep records that differentiate between landowners who have benefited from redistribution and any other landowner

(b) see (a) above

QUESTION NUMBER 2266

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 20 AUGUST 2010

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NUMBER 23)

2266 Adv H C Schmidt (DA) to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources:

Whether his department and/or any of its entities has purchased any 2010 Fifa World Cup Soccer tournament (a) clothing or (b) other specified paraphernalia; if not, what is the position in each case; if so, in each case, (i) what are (aa) the details and (bb) the total cost of the items purchased, (ii)(aa) how many items have been purchased and (bb) why, (iii)(aa) to whom has each of these items been allocated and (bb) why have these items been allocated to these persons and (iv)(aa) on what basis was the decision taken to purchase each of these items and (bb) on whose authority was the decision taken to make these purchases?NW2768E

REPLY

1. RESPONSE FROM DEPARTMENT OF MINERAL RESOURCES

(a) No clothing was purchased for 2010 Fifa World Cup.

(b) Yes

(i) (aa) Soccer balls

Vuvuzelas

Zakumi badges

(bb) the total cost of the items purchased is R30,OOO.00

(ii) (aa) 90 soccer balls

1000 vuvuzelas

1000 zakumi badges

(bb) To promote the soccer world cup spirit and boost employees' morale in line with DPSA's guidelines on the management of working time, leave of absence and remunerative work outside Public Service Employment.

(iii) (aa) The staff

(iv) (aa) The approved Project Plan

(bb) The Accounting Officer

2. RESPONSE FROM COUNCIL FOR GEOSCIENCE

(a) No clothing was purchased for 2010 Fifa World Cup,

(b) No other specific paraphernalia was purchased,

(i) (aa) N/A

(bb) N/A

(ii) (aa) N/A

(bb) N/A

(iii) (aa) N/A

(bb) N/A

(iv) (aa) N/A

(bb) N/A

3. RESPONSE FROM MINTEK

(a) No clothing was purchased for 2010 Fifa World Cup,

(b) No other specific paraphernalia was purchased,

(i) (aa) N/A

(bb) N/A

(ii) (aa) N/A

(bb) N/A

(iii) (aa) N/A

(bb) N/A

(iv) (aa) N/A

(cc) N/A

4. RESPONSE FROM SOUTH AFRICAN DIAMOND AND PRECIOUS METALS REGULATOR

(a) No clothing was purchased for 2010 Fifa World Cup.

(b) Yes

(i) (aa) Office decoration materials (national flags of participants)

(bb) R385.00

(ii) (aa) 8

(bb) To promote the Worldcup Soccer spirit

(iii) (aa) For office use

(bb) Not allocated to any person

(iv) (aa) To promote the Worldcup Soccer spirit

(bb) Accounting Authority. (CEO)

5. RESPONSE FROM STATE DIAMOND TRADER

(a) No clothing was purchased for 2010 Fifa World Cup,

(b) No other specific paraphernalia was purchased,

(i) (aa) N/A

(bb) N/A

(ii) (aa) N/A

(bb) N/A

(iii) (aa) N/A

(bb) N/A

(iv) (aa) N/A

(dd) N/A

6. RESPONSE FROM MINE HEALH & SAFETY COUNCIL

a) Yes

(b) Yes

(i) (aa) All participating countries flags

World Cup posters

Vuvuzelas

(bb) Soccer shirts R11 980.00

Paraphernalia R 707.75

(ii) (aa) 20 soccer shirts

(bb) Shirts were purchased for MHSC employees in support of World Cup

(iii) (aa) Shirts were purchased for MHSC employees in support of World Cup

(bb) To support the world cup

(iv) (aa) On the basis that South Africa was the host country

(bb) Executive Committee authority

QUESTION NUMBER 2234

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 20 AUGUST 2010

INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NUMBER 23)

2234. Adv H C Schmidt (DA) to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources:

(1) Whether her department and any of its entities has (a) purchased or (b) leased any buildings for administration (i) in the (a a) 2008-09 and (bb) 2009-10 and (ii) for the 2010-11 financial years; if not, why not; if so, in each case, (aaa) what is the cost of the building, (bbb) what is the size of the building, (ccc) why was it bought or leased, (ddd) what will be its use, (eee) who will occupy it and (fff) approximately how many persons will occupy the total space of each building;

(2) whether her department and any of its entities intends purchasing or leasing any buildings for administration for the (a) 2011-12, (b) 2012-13 and (c) 2013-14 financial years; if not, why not; if so, in each case, (i) what is the cost of each building, (ii) what is the size of each building, (iii) why will it be bought or leased, (iv) for what will it be used, (v) who will occupy it and (vi) approximately how many persons will occupy the total space of each building? NW2742E

REPLY

DEPARTMENT

(a) Purchased: No

(b) Leased: Yes

No	Year	(aaa): Cost of Buiding (Rental per m2)	(bbb): Size of Building (per square meter)	(ccc): Why was it bought or leased (All properties were leased)	(ddd): What will be its use	(eee): Who will occupy it	(fff): How many person will occupy the office space
1.
(aa)	2008-2009
	PE: Mountain Road	R69.50	2 120	Leasing was the best available option	For Administration	Departmental officials	58
	PTA/ Head Office: Lakefield Office Park(Already vacated, lease ended April 2010	R110.00	4919	Leasing was the best available option	For Administration	Departmental officials	Already vacated
(bb)	2009-2010
	Klerksdorp: Vaal University of Technology	R50.00	4059	Leasing was the best available option	For Administration	Departmental officials	116
	Durban: Bayhouse Building	R43,93	2066	Leasing was the best available option	For Administration	Departmental officials	72
	Welkom: The Village	R50.00	2500	Leasing was the best available option	For Administration	Departmental officials	101
	Rustenburg: 34 Beyers Naude	R83.00	830	Leasing was the best available option	For Administration	Departmental officials	48
	Cape Town: Atterbury House	R75.00	1950	Leasing was the best available option	For Administration	Departmental officials	57
(ii)	2010-2011
	PTA/ Head Office: Trevenna Campus	R110.00	14213	Leasing was the best available option	For Administration	Departmental officials	1026

(a) 2011 – 2012 No Current accommodation addresses the needs

(b) 2012 - 2013 No Current accommodation addresses the needs

ENTITIES

1. RESPONSE FROM COUNCIL FOR GEOSCIENCE

QUESTION 1

(a) No

(b) (i) (aa) 2008-09 Yes.

(bb) 2009-10 No.

(ii) 2010-11 No.

(aaa) Cost of Building - R80 m²

(bbb) Size of the leased Building - 305m².

(ccc) Leasing was the only best available option.

(ddd) Adminstration.

(eee) Council for Geoscience staff members.

(fff) Seven.

QUESTION 2

(a) 2011 – 2012 No Current accommodation addresses the needs

(b) 2012 - 2013 No Current accommodation addresses the needs

2. RESPONSE FROM RESPONSE FROM MINTEK

Mintek never purchased nor leased any building for administration in the period stipulated as there was no need for additional space.

Mintek is also not planning to lease and/or buy any property in the near future but just to maintain the existing property.

3. RESPONSE FROM SOUTH AFRICAN DIAMOND AND PRECIOUS METALS REGULATOR

QUESTION 1

(1 ) (a) No

(b) (i) (aa) 2008-09 Yes.

(bb) 2009-10 No.

(ii) 2010-11 No.

(aaa) R35 per square metre

(bbb) 3300m²

(ccc) Leasing was the best available option

(ddd) Administration

(eee) SADPMR staff

(fff) ± 120 employees

QUESTION 2

(a) 2011 – 2012 No Current accommodation addresses the needs

(b) 2012 - 2013 No Current accommodation addresses the needs

4. RESPONSE FROM STATE DIAMOND TRADER

QUESTION 1

(1 ) (a) No

(b) (i) (aa) 2008-09 Yes.

(bb) 2009-10 No.

(ii) 2010-11 No.

(aaa) R64 per square metre (

bbb) 296m²

(ccc) Leasing was the best available option

(ddd) Office accommodation

(eee) SOT officials

(fff) 13 employees

QUESTION 2

(a) 2011 – 2012 No Current accommodation addresses the needs

(b) 2012 - 2013 No Current accommodation addresses the needs

5. RESPONSE FROM MINE HEALTH & SAFETY COUNCIL

QUESTION 1

(1) (a) No

(b) Yes.

(i) None in 2008-2009 financial year ended.

(ii)Yes in 2009-2010 financial year end. Leased from 1 October 2009.

(aaa) R111 per square metre.

(bbb) 1,439 square metres.

(ccc) Leasing was the best available option.

(ddd) Administration.

(eee) Staff for Mine Health and Safety Council.

(fff) 22 staff members for Mine Health and Safety Council.

QUESTION 2

(a) 2011 – 2012 No Current accommodation addresses the needs

(b) 2012 - 2013 No Current accommodation addresses the needs

QUESTION NUMBER 2133

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 13 AUGUST 2010

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NUMBER 19)

2133. Mr M J Ellis (DA) to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources:

(1) Whether her department will take any steps to fence off the Lancaster Dam in Mogale City is to prevent access to the public; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;

(2) whether her department has identified any concerns about the (a) health risks of the dam and (b) risks emanating from the dam to the surrounding (i) environment and (ii) human health; if not, how was this conclusion reached; if so, what are the relevant details;

(3) whether the dam is accessible; if so, what will be done to close it off? NW2573E

REPLY

(1) Mogale Gold (Pty) Ltd has been instructed by the Department of Mineral Resources in terms of section 54 of the Mine Health and Safety Act, 1996 to have measures in place to control unauthorised access to the Lancaster Dam.

(2) Yes, (a) The Department of Mineral Resources directed Mogale Gold (Pty) Ltd to repair the leaks in the wall of Lancaster Dam (which contains polluted water) and to conduct an integrity assessment of the dam wall. The relevant mining company was on 06 August 2010 directed to repair leaks in the wall.

(b)(i) There are water management measures in place at the Lancaster Dam to separate clean water from dirty water.

(ii) See (1) above

(3) See (1) above

QUESTION NUMBER 2022

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 30 July 2010

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NUMBER 18)

2022. Mrs S V Kalyan (DA) to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources:

(1) (a) What are the (i) names and (ii) locations of all the mines that have had action taken against them by her department for contravening approved environmental management plans and (b) in each case, what was the (i) nature of the transgression by the mine, (ii) type of action taken by her department and (iii) response by the mines during the period 1 January 2008 up to the latest specified date for which information is available;

(2) why does her department permit some mines to begin operating without being in possession of valid water licences;

(3) whether her department will consider suspending mining licences for mines that operate without water licences while waiting for their water licences to be approved by the Department of Water Affairs; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NW2419E

REPLY

(1) Action has been taken by the Department of Mineral Resources during the period 01 January 2008 until 31 July 2010 against numerous mines in various provinces of South Africa for a wide variety of transgressions of the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act, 2002 (28 of 2002) relating to environmental matters, However, due to the sensitiveness relating to information and the potential impact it could have on e.g. share prices of listed companies, the Department cannot publicly divulge the names of and specific details in respect of companies involved. Details relating to each action and subsequent responses by the mining industry involve different lengthy reports and other documents.

(2) Water use licenses are issued in accordance with legislation administered by the Department of Water Affairs and the latter Department is the competent authority to comment in this regard.

(3) See question 2 above

QUESTION NUMBER 1936

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 26 JULY 2010

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NUMBER 17)

1936. Mr E J Marais (DA) to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources:

(1) Whether any mineral rights or prospecting licences were issued in the Sutherland area in the Northern Cape since 1994; if not, why not; if so, (a) to whom and (b) for what type of mining;

(2) whether the declared (a) radio silence and (b) the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) project has had any effect on mining activities; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NW2324E

REPLY

(1) Yes

(a) Macomana Mineral Resources (Pty) Ltd

(b) For prospecting uranium and molybdenum.

(2) The declared (a) radio silence: and (b) Square Kilometre Array Project (SKA) has had no effect on mining activities as the area is known for not having any significant minerals deposits.

QUESTION NUMBER 1911

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 26 JULY 2010

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NUMBER 17)

Mr M J Ellis (DA) to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources:

(1) (a) How many sand mining operations are authorised to mine in or adjacent to the (i) Umhloti River and (ii) Tongaat River systems and (b) in each case (i) what is the name of the mining operation that was awarded the authority to mine, (ii) when was the authorisation granted and (iii) on what date was the last inspection by inspectors of her department to assess compliance with the Environmental Management Plan;

(2) whether any directives have been issued against any mining operation since 1 January 2008; if not, why not; if so, what was (a) the reason for the directive and (b) the response by the mining operation? NW2298E

REPLY

1 (A) How many sand mining operations are authorised to mine in or adjacent to the (i) Umhloti River and (ii) Tongaat River systems and (b) in each case (i) what is the name of the mining operation that was awarded the authority to mine, (ii) when was the authorisation granted and (iii) on what date was the last inspection by inspectors of her department to assess compliance with the Environmental Management Plan.

Umdhloti River:

Name of Mining Company	Date Issued	Date of Last inspection
Golden Dawn Investments cc	14/11/2007	Not operational – no inspection conducted since operations did not commence
B Birth Contracting and Trading Enterprise cc	25/03/2008	Not Operational - 04/07/2008 – operations have not commenced
Zanusi Trading Enterprise cc	25/03/2008	Not Operational - 04/07/2008 – operations have not commenced
Ally Hoosen	28/05/2008	Not Operational – 04/07/2008 – operations have not commenced
Y G Mining	17/04/2010	21/07/2009
Khayalami Sand and Stone	18/04/2010	21/07/2009
Allys Sand and Plant Hire cc / Trucks for Africa	16/07/2010	21/07/2009
Quality Precast	28/05/2008	01/10/2009
Umdhloti Mining & Plant Hire cc	20/04/2010	To be inspected - October 2010
Y Govender	Conversion in process	Inspection planned August 2010
R Lala	Conversion in process	26/01/2010
Nhlalayaziwa Trading cc	10/07/2008	16/07/2009
LSM Catering and General Services	10/07/2008	26/01/2010
Snotho Sand Mining & Construction	26/02/2009	26/01/2010
Luthuli Sand	Conversion in process	16/07/2009
Kovacs Investments	16/05/2005	Permit lapsed. – 01/12/2009

Tongaat River:

Name of Mining Company	Date Issued	Date of last Inspection/ Status
Y C Naidoo	21/11/2008	26/01/2010
M Reddy	15/10/2007	26/01/2010
N M Mavundla	04/09/2007	20/10/2009
Tongaat Quarry Projects cc (adjacent)	Conversion in process	17/01/2008
L L Dhlamini	04/09/2007	20/10/2009
Totekh Trading Projects cc	06/03/2008	26/01/2010
Uvuyo Holding s(Pty) Ltd	18/03/2008	Not inspected - not operational
Matlapa Minerals (Pty) Ltd	20/07/2006	26/09/2007
Matlapa Minerals (Pty) Ltd	31/07/2008	26/09/2007

(2) whether any directives have been issued against any mining operation since 1 January 2008; if not, why not, if so, what was (a) the reason for the directive and (b) the response by the mining operation.

Umdhloti and Tongaat:

Based on a review of the inspections reports the following was noted:

- During inspections, some minor transgressions were noted on site such as lack of toilet facilities, no EMP on site, lack of demarcation or clear demarcation, petro-chemical spillages.

- The applicants were forwarded correspondence instructing them to rectify the identified transgressions and were given time frames to respond.

- The clients responded and rectified the issues identified.

- Those clients that failed to comply with the instructions of the Regional office have had their applications for renewal refused. E.g. LL Dhlamini (Tongaat river), Trucks for Africa (Umdhloti River)

QUESTION NUMBER 2576

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 13 SEPTEMBER 2010

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NUMBER 28)

2576. Mr E J Marais (DA) to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources:

(1) What number of currently abandoned mines has her department recorded as at the latest specified date for which information is available;

(2) whether her department has an integrated information system for recording and reporting on the status of mines; if not, (a) why not and (b) how is this information (i) recorded and (ii) reported on; if so, what are the relevant details;

(3) whether she intends taking steps to increase the rate of rehabilitating abandoned mines to reduce the adverse impact on the environment; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NW3218E

REPLY

(1) 6 152 sites

(2) No. The Department currently has the D & O database on an excel spreadsheet and is prioritising the development of a manual in the currently existing application management system for D&O sites.

(a) The focus has been on the development of the database to a level where all the variables have been captured making it easy to design a manual on an integrated information system.

(b) (i) On an excel spreadsheet

(ii)It is reported based on an excel spreadsheet and has coordinates for all the sites, mine names, commodities, in some cases farm names, nearest towns as well the Provinces where the sites are located.

(3) Yes, the Department has developed a strategy and in the process of finalising a short to medium implementation plan which is based on a coordinated approach to increase the number of rehabilitated sites within available financial resources.

2010-08-17

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