Questions & Replies: Mining

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2012-12-31

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Reply received: December 2012

QUESTION NUMBER 3432

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 23 NOVEMBER 2012

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NUMBER 42)

3432. Dr C P Mulder (FF Plus) to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources:† (Interdepartmental transfer on 26 November 2012)

How many tons of coal reserves to be (a) sold to and (b) used by public enterprises does South Africa currently have at its disposal? NW4352E

REPLY

(a)(b) The question is of commercial nature and should be requested from respective public enterprises.

Reply received: December 2012

QUESTION NUMBER 3431
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 23 NOVEMBER 2012 (INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NUMBER 42)

3431. Dr C P Mulder (FF Plus) to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources:

How many tons of coal reserves does South Africa currently have at its disposal?

REPLY

The country's coal reserves are estimated to be around 30.1 billion tons.

Reply received: December 2012

QUESTION NUMBER 3410

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 23 NOVEMBER 2012 (INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NUMBER 42)

3410. Mr K S Mubu (DA) to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources:

Whether (a) her department and/or (b) any entity reporting to her sponsored any (i) event and (ii) promotion hosted by The New Age newspaper since its establishment; if so, in each case, (aa) what was the nature of the event or promotion, (bb) on which date was it held, (cc) what amount was paid, (dd) for what purpose, (ee) from which budget were the funds derived, (ff) what were the expected benefits to her department and (gg) what actual benefits were derived from the sponsorship? NW4325E

REPLY

The department and its entities have not sponsored any

(i) Event
(ii) Promotion hosted by The New Age
(aa) Not applicable
(bb) Not applicable
(cc) Not applicable
(dd) Not applicable
(ee) Not applicable
(ff) Not applicable
(gg) Not applicable



Reply received: December 2012

QUESTION NUMBER 3384
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 23 NOVEMBER 2012 (INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NUMBER 42)

3384. Mr P van Dalen (DA) to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources:

(1) (a) How many copies of each annual report that was produced by (i) her department and (ii) the entities reporting to her were commissioned for print in the 2011-12 financial year, (b) how many copies were actually printed and (c) what were the (i) total and (ii) individual costs of printing these reports;

(2) (a) who printed each specified report, (b) how was the specified printing services provider decided upon and (c) on what date did the specified printing services provider deliver the report to the specified entity;

(3) whether any of the specified reports that had been printed were found to be unsatisfactory; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, in each case, (a) which reports, (b) for which entity, (c) by which printing services provider, (d) what action was taken and (e) what were the costs? NW4289E

1. (a) How many copies of each annual report that was produced by 91) her department and (2) the entities reporting to her commissioned for print in the 2012-11 financial year, 9b) how many copies were actually printed and (c) what were the (1) total and (2) individual printing these reports;

a

b

c

1

2

1-dept

DMR

600

600

R125.833.20

R209,72

2-Entities

CGS

400

400

R42 909.60

R107.27

MINTEK

1000

1000

R77 064.00

R77.06

SDT

300

300

R72,770.00

242.56

SADMR

500

500

R108,277.20

R216.55

MHSC

800

800

R153 848.00

192.31

MHSI

500

500

R148,901.10

R148.90

2. (a) who printed each specific report, (b) how was the specific printer decided upon and (c) on what date did the specified printer deliver the report to the specified entity;

a

b

c

1-

DMR

Neon Printers

The

The reports were delivered to the


See Attachment: Entities

Reply received: December 2012

QUESTION NUMBER 3338
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 23 NOVEMBER2012 (INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NUMBER 42)

3338 Mrs S V Kalyan (DA) to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources:

What is the status of each specified application for shale gas exploration? NW4234E

REPLY

They are currently being considered.

Reply received: December 2012

QUESTION NUMBER 3308
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 23 NOVEMBER 2012 (INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NUMBER 42)

Mr C Huang (Cope) to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources:

(a) How many (i) shafts have been shut down and (ii) workers have been retrenched in the platinum mines' in the past six months and (b) what are the reasons, in each case? NW4196E

REPLY

(a)(i) Nine (9) shafts have been shut down and,
(ii) 3332 workers have been retrenched in the Platinum mines in the past six months

(b) Due to the unfavourable economic climate in the Platinum Industry

Reply received: December 2012

QUESTION NUMBER 3254
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 16 NOVEMBER 2012 (INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NUMBER 41)

3254. Mr T D Lee (DA) to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources:

(1) Whether (a) her department or (b) any entity reporting to her, placed any advertisements in The New Age since the inception of the newspaper up until the most recent date for which information is available; if not, in each case, what is the position in this regard; if so, (i) which entity placed the advertisements, (ii) on what date was each advertisement placed, (iii) what was the nature of each advertisement and (iv) what amount was spent on each advertisement;

(2) whether any of these advertisements were placed through the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS); if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details of the advertisements placed through the GCIS;

(3)whether an independent analysis was conducted by her department prior to placing advertisements to ascertain whether The New Age is read by the intended target market; if not, why not; if so, (a) who conducted the analysis and (b) what were the main (i) findings and (ii) recommendations of said analysis;

REPLY

(1) (a) Yes the department did place an advert in the New Age for the Women in Mining Lekgotla hosted during the month of August 2012.

(b) None
(i) None
(ii) The advert was placed on the 14th August 2012
(iii)The advert was an invitation for women professionals in the mining sector to attend the Lekgotla which was the DMR's Women's month activity for this year.

(iv)The advert cost R38 659.68

(2) No, the advert was not placed through GClS
(3) (a) No analysis was conducted
(b) (i) Not applicable
(ii) Not applicable

Reply received: December 2012

QUESTION NUMBER 3163

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 23 NOVEMBER 2012

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NUMBER 42)

3163. Mr K S Mubu (DA) to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources:(Interdepartmental transfer on 16 November 2012)

What is the estimated loss in the mining sector in terms of (a) money, (b) mineral production and (c) man hours, following the recent wave of strikes? NW4001E

REPLY

a)b)c) The information is not yet available.

Reply received: November 2012

QUESTION NO: 3099 (NW3928E)

PUBLISHED IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NO: 38-2012 OF 2 NOVEMBER2012

MR JJ VAN DER LINDE (DA) TO ASK THE MINISTER OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND COOPERATION:

(1) Whether her department is currently subscribed to The New Age (TNA) newspaper; if so (a) how many subscriptions does her department have, (b) when was each subscription initiated, (c) what has been the annual subscription fee for each specified subscription since it was initiated and (d) what is the exact purpose of each subscription;

(2) whether a discount was negotiated for any of the specified subscriptions; if so, (a) for which specified subscriptions and (b) what discount in each case;

(3) whether her department has mass-purchased the TNA on an ad hoc basis since the inception of the newspaper; if so, (a) on what dates, (b) how many copies in each case and (c) why were the papers purchased in each case;

(4) whether (a) the publishers of the TNA and (b) any other entity donated copies of the paper to her department; if so in each case, (aa) which entity donated the papers and (bb) how many copies were donated?

REPLY:

(1) (a) The Department has not subscribed to The New Age (TNA) newspaper. The Department has appointed a service provider that delivers newspapers and the TNA is delivered by the said service provider to nine officials within the Department on a daily basis.

(b) The Department started receiving the TNA as from March 2012.

(c) The Department spends R9936 per annum on the nine TNA subscriptions.

(2) No, there were no discounts negotiated for the subscriptions of the TNA.

(3) No, the Department has not mass-purchased the TNA on an ad-hoc basis since the inception of the newspaper. The delivery for the TNA is always based on the subscriptions that the Department makes to the service provider on a monthly basis.

(4) There were no newspapers donated by the TNA to the Department, all the newspapers delivered to the Department were subscribed and paid for by the Department.

Reply received: November 2012

QUESTION 2974
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 26 October 2012
(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NUMBER 36)
2974. Mrs S V Kalyan (DA) to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources:


Whether the accounting officers submitted the annual financial statements for the financial year ending 31 March 2012 to her by 31 August 2012; If not, (a) why not and (b) on what date (i) were the statements submitted to her and (ii) did she submit the annual report and financial statements to Parliament? W3738E


REPLY

No
a) Extension on the regularity audit.
b) (i) 17 September 2012
(ii) Yes.

Reply received: October 2012

QUESTION NUMBER 2946
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 26 October 2012 ( INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NUMBER 36)

2946. Mr M G P Lekota (Cope) to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources:

Whether the beneficiation strategy the was developed by the Government and announced in the state of the nation address of 2012 has been fully implemented and is remedying the triple challenge of poverty, inequality and unemployment through the provision of extensive opportunities in the downstream part of the minerals sector; if not; why not' if so, (a0 how many beneficiation projects were applied for, (b) how many applications were approved since 1 January 2012, (c) which department(s) was/were processing the applications, (d) what was the average time taken to process and approve the applications and (e) what quantity of the different minerals are now being beneficiated as a direct result of this new initiative? NW3703E

REPLY

No-the department is finalising the consolidated implementation plan for the mineral beneficiation strategy.

Reply received: November 2012

QUESTION NUMBER 2861
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 19 October 2012 (INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NUMBER 34)
2861. ME M Wenger @A) to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources:


(1) With reference to the methods of financial provision as contained in section 53 of the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Regulations that were published in Gazette No 26275, on 23 April 2004, what (a) amount of funds is kept by her department against each of the four specified methods of financial provision and (b) rules and regulations have been put in place lo regulate risk attached to the funds with regard to each of the four specified methods;

(2) whether external, independent audits are conducted on funds contained in each of the specified options; if not, why not; if so, how often, in each case;

(3) whether she will publicise the status of all the specified funds on all mining operations; if not why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NW353E

REPLY
(1)(a)

METHOD OF FINANCIAL PROVISION

AMOUNT ®

COMMENTS

Cash

446 199 812,91

As at 30 September 2012

Bank Guarantees

2 740 476 433

As at 30 September 2012. The original guarantees are kept in the respective Regional Offices of the Department

Trust Funds (These Trust Funds are managed by SARS)

7 391 746 952

As at 30 September 2012. The rehabilitation Trust Funds of companies and individuals are audited by their own external auditors and the Department receives audited financial statements for verification purposes.

TOTAL

10 578 423 197.91


(b) Cash Deposits: -The provisions of the Public Finance and Management Act, 1999 (Act No. 1 of 1999), as revised:
- Financial provision may only be released to the former permit/right holders.
-Treasury regulations also apply

Bank Guarantees: - The Department has a pro forma guarantee document that guides financial institutions (approved banks and insurance companies that issue guarantees) on the contents of such guarantees in order to ensure that the Department's rights are protected from unauthorised release
. - There are no expiry dales on the said guarantees. The guarantees are only released upon issuing of closure certificates
- The validity of the guarantees and acceptability of the quantum, are verified on an annual basis by the Regional Offices after annual revision of such quantum in terms of the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act, 2002 ( 28 of 2002)
- Guarantees are audited by both the Department and the Auditor General

Trust Funds: - Audited Trust Fund financial statements are submitted to the Department on an annual basis for verification and reconciliation

(2) Yes. The Auditor General audits such funds on an annual basis

(3) No. There is no obligation on the Department to publicise such information

Reply received: October 2012

QUESTION NUMBER 2816
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 14 SEPTEMBER 2012 (INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NUMBER 30)
2816 Mrs J F Terblanche (DA) to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources: [Interdepartmental transfer on 19 October 2012]

Whether his department has any plans to establish South Africa as a favourable destination for major drilling and oil companies currently operating in African waters to repair an/or refit their oil rigs; if not, why not; if so, (a) what is the timeframe he envisage for South Africa to be established as a favourable destination and (b) what are the further relevant details?

REPLY

Yes
(a) Although this matter is not the direct responsibility of the DMR ,the department continuously promotes the country to attract investors and providers of exploration and mining service including drill-rig operator.

(b) None

Reply received: November 2012

QUESTION NUMBER 2808
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 12 OCTOBER 2012

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NUMBER 32)

1. Mr D du Toit (DA) to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources:

Whether the Minister is aware that illegal mining activities, including crushing of gold bearing rocks, are being conducted in the vicinity of the intersection of Corlett Drive and Randfontein Road in Gauteng, if not, will she make hers familiar with this situation, if so, what is the position in this regards;

REPLY

The Department was not aware of the illegal mining activities at the intersection of Corlett Drive and Randfontein Road in Gauteng. The illegal activity has been investigated by the Department and the investigation confirmed that the area has illegal mining crews operating near the slime dams and rock dumps.

2. Mr D du Toit (DA) to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources:

Whether the department has taken any action against these individuals performing these activities in terms of MPRDA; if not, why not, if so, what are he relevant details?

REPLY

The Department has reported the matter to the Police as the operations involve criminal activities. Subsequently, the Hawks visited the area to ensure that the activities are halted.

Reply received: October 2012

QUESTION NUMBER 2789
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 12 October 2012 (INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NUMBER 32)

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

Whether her department has received any applications for mining development in the Verlorenvlei area in the West Coast in the 2011-12 financial year; if so, for each application, (a) who was the applicant and (b) what is the nature of the mining activities applied for?

REPLY

(1) The department has not received any applications for mining development in the Verlorenvlei area in the West Coast in the 2011-12 financial year.

(a) See (1) above
(b) See (I)above

Reply received: November 2012

QUESTION NUMBER 2768
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 12 OCTOBER 2012
(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NUMBER 32)
2768. Adv H C Schmidt (DA) to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources:

What is the (a) current total estimated value of the mineral wealth in South Africa and (b) breakdown in value of each specific mineral? NW3417E

REPLY
a)Current value of SA major minerals is estimated at R29.6 trillion (US$3.5 trillion)- the estimate is based on major minerals.

b) Find the attached spreadsheet with estimate of the value


COMMODITY

Value (R)

Antimony, Metal Bulletin Free Market

R 2 177 949 862

Coal-Steam: Local FOR

R 6 642 462 120 000

Copper: Grade A, LME Cash

R 680 962 220 800

Golden, London Price

R 2 837 152 826 880

Lead, LME Cash

R 4 699 033 440

Manganese Ore: 48-50% Metalurgical*

R 6 388 337 455

Nickel, LME Cash

R478 545 438 836

Titanium Minerals ( Rutlile Concentrate 95% TiO2

R 1 634 997 768 500

Uranium Oxide, NUEXCO spot

R 54 602 771 570

Vanadium Pentoxide*

R 75 633 617 708

Zinc, Special High Grade

R 209 808 249 891

Zirco: Foundry Grade, Bulk, FOB

R 302 865 500 000

Platinum

R 13 284 780 745 421

Palladium

R 3 298 800 268 431

Vermiculite

R 98 322 560 000

Reply received: November 2012

QUESTION NUMBER 2767
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 12 October 2012 (INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NUMBER 32)
Adv H C Schmidt (DA) to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources:


What was the total amount of (a) reinvestment and (b) new investments in the mining sector (i) in the (aa) 2009-10, (bb) 2010-11 and (cc) 2011-12 financial years and (ii) since 1 April 20 I 2?

REPLY

a Reinvestment in the mining sector (R'million)
(i) (aa) 2009 = R 164 469
(i) (bb) 2010 = R 215 050
(i) (cc) 201 1 = NIA
(ii) Since 1st April 2012 = Date not yet available

b. New investments in the mining sector (R'million)

(i) (aa) 2009 = R 62 852
(i) (bb) 2010=R63 637
(i) (cc) 201 1 = R 70 574
(ii) Since lS~April2012= R 18 177

Figure are supplied on an annual basis only


Reply received: October 2012

QUESTION NUMBER 2766
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 12 October 2012 (INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NUMBER 32)
Adv H C Schmidt (DA) to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources:

(1) (a) How many mines are currently operating and (b) what excavation method is practised at each specified mine, including, but not limited to, (i) strip mining, (ii) open-pit mining, (ii) mountaintop removal, (iv) dredging, (v) highwall mining, (vi) drift mining, (vii) slope mining and (viii) shaft mining;

(2) how many mines were operating in the (a) 2007-08, (b) 2008-09, (c) 2009-10, (d) 2010-11 and (e) 201 1-12 financial years?

REPLY

(1) (a) There are currently 1579 mines in operation.

(b) The terms "strip mining", "open-pit", "mountain top", and "highwall" are

Reply received: October 2012

QUESTION NUMBER 2707
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 21 SEPTEMBER 2012
(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NUMBER 31)
2707. Dr D T George (DA) to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources:


Whether her department has awarded any contracts to a certain company (name furnished) since its establishment in 1996; if so, in each case, (a) when was the contract awarded and (b) what was the (i) nature of the contract and (ii) total accumulative value of the tender? NW3325E
33251

REPLY

No contract was awarded.

a) NIA
b) N/A

Reply received: October 2012

QUESTION NUMBER 2685
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 21 SEPTEMBER 2012

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NUMBER 31)
2685. Mrs M Wenger (DA) to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources:

(1) With reference to her reply to question 2444( NA 2444 REPLY)on 13 September 2012, (a) what proportion of the (i) prescribed and (ii) approved financial provisions are held in a trust fund and/or trust funds and (b) what format is approved for the trust fund and/or trust funds;


(2) whether financial guarantees by South African registered (a) banks and/or (b) any other financial institutions are for the purposes of guaranteeing the financial relating to the (i) environmental management plans ( ii) programmes of mines that are periodically reviewed by the Director-General; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NW3303E


REPLY


(1) No financial provisions are currently held in a trust fund.

(2)(a)(b)(i)(ii) Yes.


Reply received: October 2012

QUESTION NUMBER 2643
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 21 SEPTEMBER 2012 (INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NUMBER 31)

2643. Mr E H Eloff (DA) to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources:

(1) Where are the rehabilitation deposits which have been received from exploration license applications invested;

(2) since her reply to question 2444 on 13 September 2012, what is the total amount currently on deposit;

(3) (a) how long does it take to repay deposits to allow exploration licence holders to rehabilitate completed exploration licence areas and (b) what is the amount of the deposits which are in arrears? NW3259E

REPLY

(1) These are provided in the form of bank and insurance guarantees.

(2) R 2.7 Billion

(3) (a) There is no specific timeframe for the reimbursement of the financial guarantees. Where the Minister is satisfied with the execution of rehabilitation requirements by the holder, the financial provision held will be relinquished to the holder on granting of the closure certificate.

(b) No deposits refunds are in arrears.

Reply received: October 2012

QUESTION NUMBER 2575
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 14 SEPTEMBER 2012
(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NUMBER 30)

2575. Mr E H Eloff (DA) to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources:


(1) How many (a) applications for exploration licences has her department received (i) in the (aa) 2010-11 and (bb) 2011-12 financial years and (ii) during the period 1 April 2012 up to the latest specified date for which information is available and (b) of the specified applications have been (i) granted and (ii) rejected;

(2) what is the average time for processing an exploration licence application;

(3) how many (a) expired and/or (b) rejected exploration licence applications appear as under application on the SA Mineral Resources Administration (Samrad) online application system? NW3183E


REPLY

A: Exploration Rights Applications

(1)(a)(i)

Financial Year: 201012011

No.

Financial Year: 201112012

No.

Received

29

Received

8

Granted

4

Granted

2

Rejected

7

Rejected

2

In process

10

In process

4

Withdrawn

8

Withdrawn

0

(1)(a)(ii) Please see (a)(i) above,

(b)(i) Please see (a)(i) above.

(2) The average time for processing a compliant exploration right is 284 days.

(3) None


Reply received: October 2012

QUESTION NUMBER 2565
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 14 SEPTEMBER 2012
(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NUMBER 30)

2565. Mr G R Morgan (DA) to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources:

(1) Whether she has taken note of the findings in the report by the Bureau for Food and Agricultural Policy entitled Evaluating the impacts of coal mining on agriculture in Delmas, Ogies and Leandra districts; if not, when does she intend to study the report; if so, what is her response;

(2) whether she has found that there is reason for concern about the loss of high-potential soils as a result of mining activities; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;

(3) whether her department has held discussions with the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries about measures to reduce the loss of high-potential soils as a result of mining activities; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

NW3172E


REPLY

(1) Yes. The Department always welcomes views that are related to mining and environment.

(2) Indeed the Department will always be concerned about the loss of high-potential soils for agriculture as a result of any activities that might be causing it. However, we always strive to ensure that the mining takes place in a sustainable manner.

(3) No. Environment impact of mining are addressed through the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act. Relevant departments including the provincial agricultural Departments are consulted during the processing of applications.

Reply received: October 2012

QUESTION NUMBER 2534
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 14 SEPTEMBER 2012
(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NUMBER 30)
2534. Mr N J J van R Koornhof (Cope) to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources:


(1) Whether she approved the process that was followed to lift the moratorium on the fracking for gas in the Karoo; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so,

(2) whether her department has released a statement on the report calling for the lifting of the moratorium? NW3138E


REPLY

1. Yes.

2. The lifting of this moratorium will officially take effect through the Notice in the Gazette.

Reply received: September 2012

QUESTION NUMBER 2493

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 7 SEPTEMBER 2012

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NUMBER 29)

2493. Mr A Watson (DA) to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources:

(1) Whether (a) her Ministry, (b) her department and (c) any entity reporting to her plan to host end-of-year parties; if not, in each case, what is the position in this regard; if so, in each case, (i) for how many persons and (ii) at what cost;

(2) Whether the cost of the specified end-of-year parties has been budgeted for in the current financial year; if not, from where will the funding be sourced; if so, (a) what amount has been budgeted and (b) from which part of the budget will it be incurred?

REPLY BY THE DEPARTMENT

(I)(a) No, the Ministry is not planning to host end of year parties, (b) Yes, the Department is planning to host the year-end awards ceremony; (i) the expected number of attendees five hundred and fifty (550); and (ii) at an the estimated cost of four hundred thousand rands (R4M) 000)

(2) Yes, the cost of the departmental year end awards ceremony has been budgeted for in the current financial year, (a) the amount is four hundred thousand rands (R400 000); and

(b) the amount will be incurred under goods and services

MINTEK

(1) (c) Mintek is planning to hold an end-of year function for its staff. This function takes the form of an awards ceremony for outstanding achievement and long service awards.

(i) 750 employees plus approximately 100 bursars and interns who will be doing their year-end vacation work.

(ii) The approximate cost is R300 000.

(2) The cost has been budgeted for in the current financial year.

(a) R300 000

(b) The commercial revenue budget will be used for this function and no state grant is utilized for such functions.

SOUTH AFRICAN DIAMOND AND PRECIOUS METAL REGULATOR

1 (c) SADPMR planto host end-of- year parties

(i) 115

(ii) R22500

2 The funds are budgeted for.

MINE HEALTH AND SAFETY COUNCIL (MHSC)

1) The MHSC is an entity of the DMR and on an annual basis holds a staff function (approximately 35 members of staff). The cost of the event is on average R74 650.00

2) The cost of the event is budgeted within the HR budget for Staff Welfare costs.

STATE DIAMOND TRADER (SDT)

(1) (c) State Diamond Trader (SDT) normally has year-end lunch for its staff. (i) for less than 30 people and (ii) at a cost of R370 per person;

(2) (a) budgeted amount is R370 per person and (b) would be part of the budgeted General Office Expenses.

COUNCIL FOR GEOSCIENCE (CGS)

1. (c) YES

(i) About 600 people

(ii) R 300 000.00

2.YES it is budgeted for

(a) R 300 000.00

(b) Commercial Revenue

Reply received: September 2012

QUESTION NUMBER 2460

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 7 SEPTEMBER 2012

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NUMBER 29)

2460. Mrs M Wenger (DA) to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources:

What are the (a) names and (b) locations in North West of all (i) mining rights and (ii) prospecting rights that (aa) were awarded since 1 January 2011 and (bb) are currently being considered for approval?

REPLY

(a) and (b). The information requested is extensive and is made available on a separate list attached hereto, marked "Annexure A".

(bb). Information regarding applications that are being considered for approval cannot be

disclosed before all compliance issues are considered and final decision is taken.

See attached ANNEXURE A

Reply received: September 2012

QUESTION NUMBER 2444

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 7 SEPTEMBER 2012

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NUMBER 29)

2444. Mr E H Eloff (DA) to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources:

(1) (a) How does her department manage rehabilitation deposits received from exploration licence applicants and (b) what amount is currently on deposit;

(2) what is the timeframe for reimbursing the rehabilitation deposits to licence holders to allow for the rehabilitation of exploration areas;

(3) whether any deposit refunds are in arrears; if not, why not; if so, what are the reasons for the delay?

REPLY

(l)(a). The Department has an exclusive account for the payment of the prescribed and approved financial provisions in tens of bank and insurance guarantees.

(b). The amount is in excess of 250 million United State Dollars.

(2). There is no specific timeframe for the reimbursement of the financial guarantees. Where the Minister is satisfied with the execution of rehabilitation requirements by the holder, the financial provision held will be relinquished to the holder on granting of the closure certificate.

(3). Refunds on financial provision (for environmental rehabilitation) are dealt with on a case by case basis and only considered in cases where closure is approved, once there is no risk of a residual liability accruing to the State. This is no (a matter of arrears as much as it is a matter of due diligence and approval. Only after concurrence from both Department of Mineral Resources (i.e. Principal Inspector of Mines) and Department of Water Affairs, will closure certificates be issued and where applicable refunds paid.

Reply received: September 2012

QUESTION NUMBER 2306
DATE OF PUBLICATION INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 24 AUGUST 2012
(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NUMBER 27)
2306. Mr G G Boinamo (DA) to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources:


(a) What steps has she taken to give effects to the agreement that she signed with the President in 2010, (b) what outcome have been measured and (c) what follow-up steps has she taken with regards to each specified outcome? NW2890E


REPLY

(a) The Department of Mineral Resources has developed a Strategic Plan which incorporates outcomes that are linked to National Priorities 4,7,10 and 12.

(b) The outcomes that were measured were in relation to:

  • Decent employment through inclusive economic growth
  • Vibrant, equitable and sustainable rural communities with food security for all
  • Environmental assets and natural resources that are well protected and continually enhanced
  • An efficient, effective and development orientated public service and an empowered, fair and inclusive citizenship.
(c) The Department has put in place a Performance Monitoring System that enables quarterly reporting to the Minister through the Director General on progress towards the achievement of the outcomes.

Reply received: September 2012

QUESTION NUMBER 2281

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 24 AUGUST 2012

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NUMBER 27)

2281. Mrs M Wenger (DA) to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources:

(1) Whether she has been informed that a certain company (name furnished) has applied for prospecting rights in tens of section 16 of the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act, Act 28 of 2002, on various portions of land in the Kuruman area that are contaminated with asbestos; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details;

(2) whether it is permitted for such applications to be made on land contaminated by asbestos; if not, what will be done to resolve this situation; if so, how can this be justified;

(3) whether there are any health risks associated with prospecting on land contaminated by asbestos; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?

REPLY :

(1) Yes, the aforesaid applications are currently being processed in the Northern Cape Regional Office. These applications will be considered in terms of the provisions of section 17(1) of the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act, 2002 (28 of 2002).

(2) Yes, all prospecting right applications that comply with the provisions of section 16(2) of the Act and which are not in contravention of section 48of the Act must be accepted and processed to a point where an informed decision can be made in terms of provisions of section 17(1) of Act.

(3) Yes. There are potential health risks associated with any prospecting and mining. Section 17 (l)(d) of the Act makes provision for the assessment of any health risks associated wit1 prospecting, in order to correctly inform a decision to grant or refuse a right in terms of the provisions of section 17(2) of the Act.

Reply received: September 2012

QUESTION NUMBER 2278

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 24 AUGUST 2012

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NUMBER 27)

2278. Mr G R Morgan (DA) to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources:

(1) (a) For what number of abandoned mining sites has rehabilitation been completed the (i) 2010-11 and (ii) 2011-12 financial years and (b) what (i) is the name of the mine, (ii) is the name of the last recorded owner, (iii) is the location and (iv) was the cost to her department in each case;

(2) what is the (a) name and (b) location of the abandoned mining sites for which she expects to complete rehabilitation in the 2012-13 financial year;

(3) what number of rehabilitated mines have been recorded (a) countrywide and (b)

in each province?

REPLY

(1) (a) (i) None

(ii) None

(b) (i) NIA

(ii) NIA

(iii) NIA

(iv) None

(2) (a) None

(b) NIA

(3) There are 5858 derelict and ownerless (D&O) mine sites nationwide, categorisation of which is outlined in the table below.

Reply received: October 2012

QUESTION NUMBER 2274
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 21 SEPTEMBER 2012 (INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NUMBER 31)

2274. Mrs M Wenger (DA) to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources: [Interdepartmental transfer from 21 September 2012

(1) Whether she has been informed that there are applications to prospect for minerals on unrehabilitated asbestos mines in the Northern Cape; if not,

(2) whether she will consider such applications; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details;

(3)whether she has found reason for concern for the (a) health and (b) welfare of workers who may work on these sites if prospecting licences are granted; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details?

NW2854E

REPLY

(1) Yes

(2) Yes, These applications will be considered in terms of the provisions of section 17(1) of the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act, 2002 (28 of 2002).

(3) Yes. These aspects are still under evaluation, and the provisions of section 17(1) of the Act are precisely to, amongst others, ensure the protection of the health and safety of workers before a decision is made.

Reply received: September 2012

QUESTION NUMBER 2262

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 24 AUGUST 2012

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NUMBER 27)

2262. Mr J R B Lorimer (DA) to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources:

(1) With reference to her reply to question 1602 on 20 July 2012, (a) which traffic rule was violated in each case and (b) what was the speed of the vehicle in each case where speeding fines were recorded;

(2) whether the traffic fines incurred have been paid; if not, why not; if so, (a) by whom and (b) when were they paid?

REPLY

(1) (2) All matters pertaining to the Minister's traffic issues are covered under Section 60of the National Road Traffic Act No. 3 of 1996.

Reply received: September 2012

QUESTION NUMBER 2180

DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 17 AUGUST 2012

(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NUMBER 25)

2180. Mr GG Boinarno (DA) to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources:

Whether (a) her department or (b) any entity reporting to her makes use of private security firms; if so, in each case, (i) which firms and (ii) what is the (aa) purpose, (bb) value and (cc) duration of each specified contract?

REPLY

DEPARTMENT OF MINERAL RESOURCES

(a) Yes

(i) Easy Security Systems and Guards in Eastern Cape regional office

(ii) (aa) Purpose: To do physical security at the DMR premises.

(bb) Value is R249 800, 00

(cc) Duration 12 months

(i) Mjwayeli Security (Pty) Ltd in North West (Rustenburg)

(ii) (aa) Purpose: To do physical security at the DMR premises.

(bb) Value: R387 199,92

(cc) Duration 24 months

(i) Kefilwe Security (Pty) Ltd

(ii) (aa) Purpose: To do physical security at the DMR premises.

(bb) Value: R451 232,40

(cc) Duration 24 months

(i) Takusani Trading cc in Limpopo (Polokwane)

(ii) (aa) Purpose: To do physical security at the DMR premises.

(bb) Value: R342 054. 84

(cc) Duration 24 months

COUNCIL FOR GEOSCIENCE

(b) Yes

(i) Vomiche Trading Enterprise

(ii) (aa) Purpose: To do physical security at the CGS premises.

(bb) Value: R1,608,912.00

(cc) Duration: 36 months

MINTEK

(b) Yes

(i) Company's name is Bidvest Magnum (Proprietary) Limited

(ii) (aa) To provide a 24 hours physical security sewice over the Mintek assets

(bb) Value: R8 647 560.00

(cc) Duration: 36 months

SADPMR

(b) Yes

(i) Xantium 42 (Pty) Ltd trading as On time Protection Services, Stallion Security Property Services (Pty) Ltd and Omega Risk Solution (Pty) Ltd

(ii) (aa) Xantium 42 (Pty) Ltd trading as on time Protection Services (Provides Physical security -24 hours Guarding Services). Stallion Security Property Services (Pty) Ltd (Provides 24 hours Armed Response). Omega Risk Solution (Pty) Ltd (Provides 24 hours Vaults/Safes Monitoring)

(bb) Value - Xantium 42 (Pty) Ltd: R524 282.88 - Stallion Security Property Services (Pty) Ltd: R205 200.00 - Omega Risk Solution (Pty) Ltd: R16 074

(cc) Duration - Xantium 42 (Pty) Ltd: 12 month - Stallion Security Property Services (Pty) Ltd: 60 months - Omega Risk Solution (Pty) Ltd: 60 months

STATE DIAMOND TRADER (SDT)

(b) Yes

(i) Protea Coin Group (Pty) Ltd.

(ii) (aa) Providing armed guarding services

(bb) Value: R299 592.00

(cc) Duration: 12 months, renewable.

MINE HEALTH AND SAFETY COUNCIL (MHSC)

(b) Yes

(i) Chubb Armed Responses.

(ii) (aa) Providing armed response services

(bb) Value: R40 140.00

(cc) Duration: 36 months.

Reply received: September 2012

QUESTION NUMBER 2073
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESION PAPER: 8 AUGUST2012
(INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NUMBER 23)
2073. Mr G G Boinamo (DA) to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources:


(I) Whether (a) she, (b) her Deputy Minister and (c) any official from an entity reporting to her will be attending or attended, the 2012 Olympic Games: if so, what is the (i)(aa) name, (bb) rank and (cc) position/designation of each specified parson accompanying (aaa) her, (bbb) her Deputy Minister and (ccc) each specified person and (ii)(aa) nature and (bb) official reason for the visit;

(2) what (a) total amount will be spent or has been spent on the trip, (b) is the (i) description and (ii) detailed breakdown of the amounts that will be spent or have been spent on (aa) accommodation, (bb) travel and (cc) subsistence costs and (c) from which budget will these funds be incurred in each case? NW2553E

REPLY

Neither the Minister, her Deputy Minister nor any official from an entity reporting to her will be attending the 2012 Olympic Games.