Questions & Replies: Mining
2014-03-06
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Reply received: December 2014
QUESTION NUMBER:2782 ADVANCE NOTICE NO:
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER:
INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NUMBER: NW3434E
Ms E R Wilson (DA) to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources:
(1) Whether he received an invitation to the wedding of Vega Gupta and Aakash Jahajgarhia; if so,
(2) whether he attended any of the wedding festivities between 30 April and 3 May 2013; if so,
(3) whether he stayed overnight at the venue; if so, (a) what accommodation did he use, (b) who paid for the said accommodation, (c) what mode of transport did he use to attend the wedding festivities and (d) who paid for the travel costs?
REPLY:
1. No I never got Wedding Invitation of Vega Gupta
Reply received: November 2014
QUESTION NUMBER: 1846 ADVANCE NOTICE NO: NW2222E
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 25 September 2014
INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NUMBER: 18
1846. Adv H C Schmidt (DA) to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources:
Whether, with reference to the One Environmental System, the (a) National Appeal Regulations, (b) new Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations and listing notices, and (c) Financial Provisioning and Mine Closure Regulations have been gazetted; if not, when is it expected that the above regulations will be published in the Government Gazette? NW2222E
REPLY
In terms of the "One Environmental System", the Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) is the competent authority to develop, amend and review legislation and relevant regulations relating to the National Environmental Management Act. The Department of Mineral Resources (DMR) is the competent authority to implement the legislation developed by DEA. The two departments have however, been working closely together in the development of said regulations, which will be published in the Government Gazette once concluded.
Reply received: October 2014
QUESTION NUMBER: 1723 ADVANCE NOTICE NO: NW1701E
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: September 2014
INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NUMBER: 17
1723. Mr J R B Lorimer (DA) to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources:
With regard to the Pan African Mineral Development Company referred to in his reply to question 1144 on 10 September 2014, (a) what is the purpose of the specified company, (b) who are the company's shareholders and (c) what proportion of shares is owned by each shareholder? NW2087E
REPLY
a) The purpose of the Pan African Mining Development Company is to develop mineral resources.
b) African Exploration, Mining and Finance Corporation (AEMFC) and Emerged Railway Properties (ERP).
c) AEMFC owns 33.3% and ERP owns 66.7%.
Reply received: November 2014
QUESTION NUMBER: 1590 ADVANCE NOTICE NO: NW1701E
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 19 September 2014
INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NUMBER: 17
1590. Mr S Luzipo (ANC) to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources:
What measures does his department intend to implement to establish the precious metals and gemstone bourse in order to enhance beneficiation and the growth of the jewellery sector in the country? NW1701E
REPLY
A concept document is being developed and it will be finalised by the end of the current financial year.
Reply received: October 2014
QUESTION NUMBER: 1511 ADVANCE NOTICE NO: NW1814E
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: September 2014
INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NUMBER: 16
1511. Mr T Z Hadebe (DA) to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources:
Whether (a) his department and/or (b) any entities reporting to him sponsored political party (i) advertisements, (ii) events and/or (iii) paraphernalia in the (aa) 2011-12, (bb) 2012-13 and (cc) 2013-14 financial years; if so, (aaa) for which political party and (bbb) what was the monetary value of the sponsorship in each case? NW1880E
REPLY
| (aa) | (bb) | (cc) | |||
| (a) | Department of Mineral Resources | None | None | None | |
| (b) | Council for Geoscience | None | None | None | |
| MINTEK | None | None | None | ||
| State Diamond Trader | None | None | None | ||
| South African Diamond and Precious Metals Regulator | None | None | None | ||
| Mine Health and Safety Council | None | None | None | ||
Reply received: October 2014
QUESTION NUMBER: 1481 ADVANCE NOTICE NO: NW1814E
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 12 September 2014
INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NUMBER: 16
1481. Ms T Gqada (DA) to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources:
What is the quantum of funds spent by his department on all advertising for each financial year between 1 April 2010 up to the latest specified date for which information is available? NW1847E
REPLY
2010/11 R1,661,000.00
2011/12 R1,387,000.00
2012/13 R1,148,000.00
2013/14 R3,504,000.00
Reply received: October 2014
QUESTION NUMBER: 1448 ADVANCE NOTICE NO: NW1814E
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 10 September 2014
INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NUMBER: Generic Question
1448. Mr D C Ross (DA) to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources:
(a) Which travel agents has his department used during the period 1 April 2012 up to the latest specified date for which information is available and (b) what is the quantum of funds spent with each of the specified travel agents in the specified period?
REPLY
(a) Travel agents used:
1. Magic Travel
2. Travel Adventure
3. Travel with Flair
4. Wings Naledi
(b) The quantum of funds spent:
| Travel Agent | 1 April 2012 to 31 March 2013 | 1 April 2013 to 31 March 2014 | 1 April 2014 to 31 June 2014 | TOTAL |
| Magic Travel | R 3 861 630.28 | R 5 527 619.89 | R 3 540 411.12 | R 12 929 661.29 |
| Travel Adventure | R 9 514 974.26 | R 12 734 386.67 | R 4 779 773.60 | R 27 029 134.53 |
| Travel With Flair | R 21 187 843.04 | R 18 411 638.35 | R 2 172 426.32 | R 41 771 907.71 |
| Wings Naledi | R 2 112 068.93 | R 804 353.48 | R 326 302.87 | R 3 242 725.28 |
| TOTAL | R 36 676 516.51 | R 37 477 998.39 | R 10 818 913.91 | R 84 973 428.81 |
Reply received: October 2014
QUESTION NUMBER: 1353 ADVANCE NOTICE NO: NW1701E
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 12 September 2014
INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NUMBER: 17
1353. Mr S Luzipo (ANC) to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources:
Does his department intend to allow civil society groups any participation in the monitoring of hydraulic fracturing to explore for shale gas? NW1700E
REPLY
Public consultations and engagements are regulated as per the legislation.
Reply received: November 2014
QUESTION NUMBER: 1352 ADVANCE NOTICE NO: NW1701E
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 19 September 2014
INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NUMBER: 17
1352. Mr S Luzipo (ANC) to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources:
(1) In view of the increasing problem of illegal miners who obtain minerals in abandoned mines illegally, endanger the lives of citizens through violent disputes and harm the environment, what steps is his department taking to assist the SA Police Service in this matter;
(2) whether his department only relies on bringing a charge of trespassing against a person or persons found underground and engaging in illegal mining; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so,
(3) whether he intends to introduce legislation that will criminalise the presence of a person or persons in abandoned, illegal mines without them having obtained permission to be there; if so, what are the relevant details? NW1699E
REPLY
(1) The Department established Illegal Mining Stakeholder Forums in Gauteng, Free State, Mpumalanga and Northern Cape provinves. The Stakeholder Forums mainly consists of the Department of Mineral Resources, SAPS (Directorate of Priority Crimes Investigation (DPCI), Visible Policing and Crime Intelligence (CI)), National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), Assets Forfeiture Unit, Department of Home Affairs, State Security Agency, Municipalities, Mining Companies, Organized Labour, Council for Geoscience, South African Diamond and Precious Metals Regulator, Rand Refinery and Mine Health and Safety Council (MHSC).
The Stakeholder Forums are implementing measures which include sealing of open shafts and holes as well as increasing security and access control measures.
The Department together with other stakeholders including National Prosecuting Authority and South African Police Services have held workshops to strengthen the formulation of charges and sentencing. Relevant legislation have been identified that could be considered in formulating the charges.
(2) The arrest and charging of illegal miners is done through the South African Police Services and the National Prosecuting Authority.
(3) The Department and relevant stakeholders will review the legislation in respect of illegal mining activities. The review will guide the way forward, especially with regard to the amendment of legislation.
Reply received: November 2014
QUESTION NUMBER: 1351 ADVANCE NOTICE NO: NW1701E
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 12 September 2014
INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NUMBER: 17
1351. Mr S Luzipo (ANC) to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources:
Whether, with reference to the recent articles in the mining press that refers to the legislative uncertainty in the minerals industry resulting from the delays in signing the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Amendment Bill [B15-2013], into law, he is able to indicate when the Bill will come into operation by proclamation in the Government Gazette? NW1698E
REPLY
I have recently discussed the matter with the Honourable President of the Republic of South Africa, His Excellency J.G. Zuma on the 10th September 2014. The ultimate decision on the Bill will be concluded soon.
Reply received: October 2014
QUESTION NUMBER: 1277 ADVANCE NOTICE NO: NW1568E
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 05 September 2014
INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NUMBER: 14
1277. Adv H C Schmidt (DA) to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources:
(1) What are the details of the applications that have been received to explore for reserves of shale gas by means of hydraulic fracking;
(2) whether he considers that all applications fully comply with the requirements for application; if not, (a) in what respects, (b) for which applications does he have concerns and (c) what consequence has followed or will follow non-compliance with the requirements;
(3) whether any one or more of these applications have been approved; if not, (a) why not and (b) when is it likely that approval or rejection of the application will occur; if so, what are the full relevant details of such approval(s)? NW1568E
REPLY
1. There are currently five (5) applications to explore for shale gas in the Karoo area. Applications were received from Falcon Oil and Gas (Pty) Ltd, Shell Exploration Company and Bundu Gas and Oil Exploration (Pty) Ltd.
2. (a) (b) (c) A detailed assessment of all applications to determine extent of compliance with the requirements of the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act (MPRDA) for purposes of granting or refusal has not been undertaken. The MPRDA provides for the Minister to grant applications if they comply and conversely the applications must be refused if they do not comply.
3. (a) As indicated above, the applications have not been assessed and therefore no applications have been approved or refused.
(b) The Department of Mineral Resources is currently in the process of augmenting the regulatory framework. Once the regulatory framework is augmented, the processing of applications will commence.
Reply received: September 2014
QUESTION NUMBER: 1185 ADVANCE NOTICE NO: NW1423E
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 29 August 2014
INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NUMBER: 12
1185. Mr S J Masango (DA) to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources:
(1) Whether (a) he and (b) the Deputy Minister has each employed a ministerial special advisor; if so,
(2) (a) what is the name of the special advisor, (b) when was the advisor appointed, (c) what are the duties of the advisor, (d) at what post level was the appointment made, (e) what is the salary level of the advisor, (f) what is the duration of the employment contract entered into with the advisor and (g) why was it necessary to appoint the advisor? NW1423E
REPLY
(1) The Minister and the Deputy Minister have not yet employed special advisors.
(2) The other questions are therefore, not applicable.
Reply received: September 2014
QUESTION NUMBER: 1147 ADVANCE NOTICE NO: NW1385E
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 29 August 2014
INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NUMBER: 12
1147. Mr S M Gana (DA) to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources:
Whether he is aware of the illegal gold mining activities taking place on the south side of Main Reef Road opposite the Zamimpilo informal settlement; if so, what steps are being taken in this regard; if not, (a) is he planning on taking any steps, (b) what steps and (c) when will such steps be taken? NW1385E
REPLY
The Department of Mineral Resources was aware of illegal mining activities that took place on the south side of the Main Reef Road opposite Zamimpilo informal settlement in 2012. Following engagements with Central Rand Gold, the company mined the outcrop which was mined by illegal miners and subsequently rehabilitated the area. The Department has conducted inspection of the abovementioned area during the month of March 2014, and there were no illegal mining activities that were taking place at the time of the visit.
(a)(b) The Department will conduct an inspection of the area and address the matter accordingly.
c) The timeframe will depend on the outcome of the assessment and inspection of the situation.
Reply received: September 2014
QUESTION NUMBER: 1146 ADVANCE NOTICE NO: NW1384E
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 29 August 2014
INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NUMBER: 12
1146. Mr S M Gana (DA) to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources:
(1) Whether he is aware of the open and abandoned mine shaft to the West of Zamimpilo informal settlement in Ward 68, Johannesburg;
(2) is there a plan to (a) block this shaft and/or (b) otherwise render this shaft safe; if not, why not; if so, by when will this operation be completed? NW1384E
REPLY
(1) The Department of Mineral Resources is not aware of the open and abandoned mine shaft to the West of Zamimpilo informal settlement in Ward 68, Johannesburg.
(2) (a)(b) The Department will have to locate the shaft, conduct an inspection and then decide on the appropriate action to be taken. The timeframe will be determined by the action that needs to be taken.
Reply received: September 2014
QUESTION NUMBER: 1145 ADVANCE NOTICE NO: NW1383E
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 29 August 2014
INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NUMBER: 12
1145. Mr J R B Lorimer (DA) to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources:
(1) Has his department conducted on-site inspections to determine whether DRDGOLD South African Operations (Pty) Limited is in compliance with the Social and Labour Plan (SLP) submitted for the operations at Riverlea in Ward 68, Johannesburg; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details;
(2) is the SLP available to Parliament; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details? NW1383E
REPLY:
1. Yes, an inspection was conducted by the Department and the mine was found to be non-compliant with regard to the SLP. Following the inspection, a Section 93 order was issued to the mine to implement corrective measures. The said order is still in force at present.
2. Yes the approved SLP is available on request.
Reply received: September 2014
QUESTION NUMBER: 1144 ADVANCE NOTICE NO: NW1382E
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 29 August 2014
INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NUMBER: 12
1144. Mr J R B Lorimer (DA) to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources:
(1) Are the latest annual reports of the (a) Pan African Mineral Development Company and (b) Limpopo Economic Development Enterprise available to Members of Parliament; if not, (i) why not and (ii) when will these reports be made available; if so,
(2) whether a copy of the report can be provided? NW1382E
REPLY
(1) (a) (i) (ii) The entity is not a scheduled company in terms of the PFMA and is therefore not required to submit its annual report to Parliament.
(b) The Limpopo Economic Development Enterprise is an institution of the Limpopo Province with an oversight responsibility resident in the Province.
(i) (ii) Not applicable.
(2) Refer to the above.
Reply received: September 2014
QUESTION NUMBER: 1143 ADVANCE NOTICE NO: NW1381E
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 29 August 2014
INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NUMBER: 12
1143. Mr J R B Lorimer (DA) to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources:
(1) Why was the mining right for the Xolobeni Sands Project in the Eastern Cape (a) withdrawn and (b) subsequently reinstated;
(2) what are the details of the black economic empowerment involvement in this project as stipulated in the Mining Charter;
(3) whether he has found that local opposition to this project had changed to support of this project; if so, what are the relevant details? NW1381E
REPLY
1. (a) It was withdrawn due to non-compliance to several environmental issues. (b) The mining right is not reinstated but applicant applied for new prospecting right on the same area/properties.
2. Xolco a wholly owned subsidiary of a black economic empowerment company Xolobeni Empowerment Company (Pty) Ltd) holds 26 % shareholding as the BEE partner.
3. Since the adjudication of this application is still underway, it is premature to pre-empt its outcome as well as the level of support for the project.
Reply received: September 2014
QUESTION NUMBER: 928 ADVANCE NOTICE NO: NW1021E
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 29 August 2014
INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NUMBER: 12
928. Mr B H Holomisa (UDM) to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources:
(1) In respect of the mining operations in North West and Limpopo and with reference to Schedule II, Transitional Arrangements of the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act, Act 28 of 2002, were any royalties or future considerations preserved in terms of item 11(1) or 11(3) of the Schedule; if so, which are the affected (a) mines, (b) traditional communities and (c) mineral or mining leases or licences;
(2) has any of the recipients contemplated in subitems (1) and (3) informed him of the need to continue to receive the royalties as contemplated in subitem (5) of item 11;
(3) have all the recipients referred to in part 1 complied with the requirements of subitem (6)(a) and (b) of the Transitional Arrangements; if not, which recipients did not comply;
(4) has he determined any terms and conditions as contemplated in subitem (7); if so, what are those terms and conditions? NW1021E
REPLY
(1) No
(2) See (1) above
(3) See (1) above
(4) See (1) above
Reply received: August 2014
QUESTION NUMBER: 919 ADVANCE NOTICE NO: NW1010E
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 01 AUGUST 2014
INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NUMBER: 07
919. Mr J R B Lorimer (DA) to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources:
(a) How many times have any regulations governing the treatment of topsoil with regard to the removal and replacement of topsoil as part of restoration activities in open-cast mining operations been used to change the way mines have operated in each of the past three financial years and (b) which regulations were used in each case? NW1010E
REPLY
(a) In each case where an open cast mining activity was undertaken the DMR ensured that the holder undertake proper stockpiling and replacement of topsoil.
(b) The rehabilitation process in this respect is guided by Regulation 70 of the MPRDA in particular sub regulation 7.
Reply received: August 2014
QUESTION NUMBER: 874 ADVANCE NOTICE NO: NW963E
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 01 August 2014
INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NUMBER: 07
874. Mr J R B Lorimer (DA) to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources:
How many (a) departmental staff are based at (i) each of his department's regional offices and (ii) his department's head office, (b) of those specified staff members at each office are concerned with monitoring compliance and (c) of those compliance staff conduct on-site inspections? NW963E
REPLY
| NW | GP | NC | FS | LP | MP | KZN | WC | EC | |
| (a) (i) Staff at regional offices | 98 | 85 | 63 | 55 | 73 | 65 | 40 | 35 | 37 |
| (a) (ii) Staff based at head office | 569 | ||||||||
| (b) (c) Staff concerned with monitoring compliance and conducting on-site inspections | 49 | 53 | 37 | 39 | 40 | 46 | 23 | 17 | 18 |
Reply received: July 2014
QUESTION NUMBER: 808 ADVANCE NOTICE NO:NW 895E
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 25 July 2014
INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NUMBER:06
808. Mr J R B Lorimer (DA) to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources:
(1) Whether (a) he, (b) the Deputy Minister, (c) the Director-General or (d) any of his staff (i) attended, (ii) accepted an invitation and/or (iii) received tickets to the 2014 Soccer World Cup in their official capacity; if so, what are the relevant details including the (aa)(aaa) names and (bbb) positions of those who attended and (bb) breakdown of the amounts spent by his department on (aaa) travel, (bbb) accommodation, (ccc) entertainment and (ddd) any further specified expenses;
(2) (a) what is the breakdown of the amount spent by his department on any persons accompanying (i) him, (ii) the Deputy Minister, (iii) the Director-General or (iv) any of his staff to attend the 2014 Soccer World Cup including (aa) travel, (bb) accommodation, (cc) entertainment and (dd) any further costs and (b) in each case, what is the (i) relationship and (ii) reason for accompanying the relevant person? NW895E
REPLY
(1) (a), (b), (c) or (d) I, Deputy Minister, Director General or any of my staff never (i) attended, (ii) accepted any invitation and or (iii) received tickets to the 2014 soccer world cup in our official capacity.
(aa), (aaa), (bbb), (bb), (ccc) and (ddd) Falls away
(2) (a) (i), (ii), (iii) or (iv) Falls away
(aa), (bb), (cc) and (dd) Falls away
(b) (i) and (ii) Falls away
Reply received: July 2014
QUESTION NUMBER: 759 ADVANCE NOTICE NO: NW 846E
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 25 July 2014
INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NUMBER: 06
Ms N W A Michael (DA) to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources:
(a) How many (i) judgments and (ii) court orders were made against his department in the (aa) 2010-11, (bb) 2011-12, (cc) 2012-13 and (dd) 2013-14 financial years and (b) in each case, (i) how many of these (aa) were implemented and (bb) await implementation by his department and (ii) what was the nature of the (aa) judgment and/or (bb) court order? NW846E
REPLY
(a) (i) and (ii) According to provisional available information at the disposal of the Department the following number of judgments and court orders were granted against the Department for the financial years mentioned below. The figures for judgments and court orders are combined as an order follows a judgment. It is accordingly not possible or practical to distinguish between judgements and court orders.
(aa) 2010 - 2011 – 14
(bb) 2011 – 2012 - 11
(cc) 2012 – 2013 – 35
(dd) 2013 – 2014 – 14
TOTAL - 74
(b) (i) (aa) Implemented court orders: 2010 - 2011 – 14
2011 – 2012 – 11
2012 – 2013 – 33
2013 – 2015 – 13
TOTAL - 71
(bb) Court orders awaiting implementation: 2010 – 2011 – 0
2011 – 2012 – 0
2012 – 2013 – 2
2013 – 2014 – 1
TOTAL – 3
(ii) The nature of the judgments / court orders are broadly categorised as follows:
· Interdicts 2010 – 2011 – 2
2011 – 2012 – 3
2012 – 2013 –0
2013 – 2014 – 0
TOTAL - 5
· Reviews 2010 – 2011 – 2
2011 – 2012 – 2
2012 – 2013 – 5
2013 – 2014 – 4
TOTAL - 13
· Mandamus Applications 2010 – 2011 – 7
2011 – 2012 – 5
2012 – 2013 – 29
2013 – 2014 – 7
TOTAL - 48
· PAIA Matters 2010 – 2011 – 3
2011 – 2012 – 1
2012 – 2013 – 1
2013 – 2014 – 3
TOTAL - 8
Reply received: July 2014
QUESTION NUMBER: 619 ADVANCE NOTICE NO:NW 702E
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER:17 July 2014
INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NUMBER:05
619. Mr R A Lees (DA) to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources:
(1) How many (a) international and (b) domestic hotel bookings were made by (i) him, (ii) his predecessors and (iii) department officials attending (aa) workshops, (bb) seminars, (cc) oversight visits or (dd) any other relevant meetings of the relevant portfolio committee from 1 April 2013 up to the latest specified date for which information is available;
(2) in respect of each specified booking, what was the (a) date, (b) name of the hotel, (c) number of delegates, (d) cost of the hotel booking for each delegate and (e) the nature of the relevant portfolio business dealt with? NW702E
REPLY
Mr R A Lees (DA) to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources:
(1) The financial statements which contain information relating to the financial affairs of the Department are published on the annual report after those statements have been audited. The Annual Report for the period in question will be tabled later this year.
(2) Falls away.
Reply received: July 2014
QUESTION NUMBER: 574 ADVANCE NOTICE NO:NW657E
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER:17 July 2014
INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NUMBER:05
574. Mr J R B Lorimer (DA) to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources:
(a) How many operations currently exist where land-based drilling for coal-bed methane gas is underway, (b) where are they situated, (c) which companies are conducting them, (d) is any such gas currently in production, (e) what regulations govern such drilling and (f) can he please provide a copy of such regulations? NW657E
REPLY
(a) Six (6)
(b) Limpopo (Lephalale and Makhado)
Gauteng (Grootvlei and Coalbrook)
Free State (Virginia)
Mpumalanga (Amerfoort)
(c) Anglo Coal CBM, Molopo, Umbono CBM, Badimo/Kinetiko and Tshipise
(d) No, only feasibility testing is taking place.
(e) National Environment Management Act (NEMA), National Water Act (NWA), National Forestry Act (NFA) and Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act (MPRDA).
(f) The above legislations are obtained from relevant government Departments' websites.
Reply received: August 2014
QUESTION NUMBER: 573 ADVANCE NOTICE N0: NW 656E
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 17 July 2014
INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NUMBER: 05
573. Mr J R B Lorimer (DA) to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources:
With regard to the fire at his department's office in Braamfontein over the weekend of 21/22 June 2014,
(a) is any criminal act suspected to have been responsible for the fire,
(b) what damage was done to the specified office,
(c) were any (i) mining applications or (ii) prospecting applications destroyed,
(d) were any records of decisions destroyed,
(e) what other (i) documentation or (ii) records were destroyed,
(f) if any mining applications or prospecting applications or documents or records were destroyed, do copies of these exist and
(g) is it predicted that the fire will impede the work of his department in respect of license applications or inspections and how? NW656E
REPLY
(a) Unknown at this stage, as investigations are still underway
(b) Windows were damaged when the emergency officials were accessing the building.
(c) (i) (ii) Applications are lodged electronically online and such not affected by fire at Department's office
(d) No
(e) (i) (ii)None
(f) SAMRAO applications are on the electronic system and have back up system copies
(g) Yes, because the building is currently inaccessible pending finalisation of the investigations into h e cause of the fire. Interim measures have been put in place to address the situation.
Reply received: July 2014
QUESTION NUMBER: 562 ADVANCE NOTICE NO:NW 645E
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER:17 July 2014
INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NUMBER:05
562. Mr T Z Hadebe (DA) to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources:
(1) (a) What licences has his department granted to a certain company (name furnished) and (b) on what date was each specified licence granted;
(2) did his department ever issue instructions to the company regarding environmental compliance; if so, what was the content of these environmental compliance instructions;
(3) were any fines issued to the company; if so, (a) when and (b) what is the total amount of the specified fines;
(4) have the fines that were issued to the specified company been paid; if so, when were these paid;
(5) does the payment of these fines amount to rectification of any environmental infringements; if so, what environmental infringements have thereby been rectified? NW645E
REPLY
(1)(a)(b) Mining Right issued on the 25th October 2010
(2) The company was issued with an instruction to submit the Environmental Management Programme (EMP) Performance Assessment and to review the financial provision.
(3) No fines were issued
(4) See (3) above
(5) Not applicable
Reply received: August 2014
QUESTION NUMBER: 379 ADVANCE NOTICE NO: NW 422E
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 04 July 2014
INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NUMBER: 03
379. Mr G Mackay (DA) to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources:
What are the details of all flowers purchased by his department for each year between 1 April 2009 up to the latest specified date for which information is available;
(2) what are the details of(a)(i)the address and (ii)the name of the office where the specified flowers were displayed, (b) for whose benefit were the flowers purchased and (c) what was the purchase value of the flowers for each office where they were displayed;
(3) in respect of flowers purchased for individuals, (a) what is the (i) name and (ii) relationship of the person to (aa) him and (bb) the Ministry and (b) what is the cost of each purchase;
(4) what are the details of any (a) contractual arrangements and (b) plans to purchase flowers in the future? NW422E
REPLY
(1) The Department of Mineral Resources purchased Rowers to the value of R28 045.45 since April 2009 to March 2014,
(2) (a)(i) (ii) (b) (c); The flowers were not for permanent office display purposes, they were for specific events.
(3) (a) (i) (ii) (aa) (b b) (b), Information is not readily available,
(4) (a) None (b) The Department will continue to buy flowers as and when the needs arise.
Reply received: August 2014
QUESTION NUMBER: 372 ADVANCE NOTICE NO: NW 469E
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 27 June 2014
INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NUMBER: 02
372. Adv A de W Alberts (FF Plus) to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources:
(1) (a) What is the status of a certain application (details furnished) in terms of the Promotion of Access to Information Act, Act 2 of 2000, for information on the list of applications received and approved by his department regarding properties between Hopetown and Vanderkloof and (b} why has this application not yet been acceded to in terms of this Act;
(2) whether (a) reconnaissance permission applications (RPAs), (b) prospecting rights applications (PRAs); mining rights applications (MRAs) or (d) any other applications for minerals and gas on any farms and subdivisions between Hopetown and Vanderkloof have been (i) received and (ii) approved by his department; if so, for each application that has been received, (aa) who is the applicant, company, close corporation or trust that has brought the application, (bb) who are the directors of these companies, close corporations or trusts, (cc) what is the ability or capacity of the entity that brought the application, (dd) what is the aim of each application and (ee) what are the contact details of any such company, close corporation, trust or individual applicant;
(3) how many of the applications were (a) received, (b) reviewed, (c) approved and (d) rejected;
(4) why was each individual application (a) approved or (b) rejected? NW469E
REPLY
(1) (a) The abovementioned request for access to records in terms of the Promotion of Access to Information Act, 2000 (Act No. 2 of 2000) has been refused on 5 March 2013.
(b) See (a) above.
(2) (a) (b), (c) and (d) The request for the information on applications or rights does not clearly define the area of interest. Any response without a clearly defined area of interest could lead to a misrepresentation of facts and misleading information,
(3) (a), (b), (c) and (d)See (2) above
(4) (a), (b), (c) and (d) See (2) above
Reply received: July 2014
QUESTION NUMBER: 307 ADVANCE NOTICE NO:NW 388E
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER:27 June 2014
INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NUMBER:02
307. Adv H C Schmidt (DA) to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources:
(1) What are the details of office furniture ordered and or purchased for the use of him and/or his staff since 1 May 2014;
(2) in respect of each piece of furniture, (a) what is the description, (b) what is the breakdown of the costs, (c) where will each piece of furniture be used and (d) who will use each piece of furniture;
(3) what are the details of furniture disposed of;
(4) in respect of each piece of furniture disposed of, (a) what is the description, (b) original purchase costs and (c) on what date was it purchased;
(5) (a) how was this furniture disposed of, (b) what disposal method was used, (c) what is the name and contact details of person/s to whom it was disposed and (d) at what price was it disposed of? NW388E
REPLY
(1) None.
(2) Falls away.
(3) None.
(4) Falls away.
(5) Falls away.
Reply received: April 2014
QUESTION NUMBER: 302 ADVANCE NOTICE NO:NW 355 E
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER 3 March 2014
INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NUMBER :5
302. Mr M Hlengwa (IFP) to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources:
What is her department doing to eradicate illegal mining? NW355E
REPLY
The Department of Mineral Resources has established stakeholder forums in relevant provinces to address challenges faced by the mining industry and communities in respect to illegal mining activities. The measures effected by the forums include identifying openings and implementing effective measures for sealing holes as well as conducting operations by the law enforce agencies to combat the illegal activities.
The Department has also elevated the concern to the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security (SCPS) Cluster as the operations involve criminal activity.
QUESTION NUMBER: 273 ADVANCE NOTICE N0:NW33E
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 27 June 2014
INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NUMBER: 02
273. Adv H C Schmidt (DA) to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources:
1. What are the details of motor vehicles ordered and/or purchased for his use since May 2014;
2. (a) what is the (i) make, (ii) model, (iii) total cost and (iv) breakdown of the cost of each motor vehicle and (b} where will each motor vehicle normally be stationed? NW353E
REPLY
(t) The Minister has not ordered and/or purchased any vehicle for his use since May 2014
(2) (a) Not applicable (b) Not applicable
Reply received: August 2014
QUESTION NUMBER: 248 ADVANCE NOTICE NO: NW 326E
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 27 June 2014
INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NUMBER: 02
248. Mr J R B Lorimer (DA) to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources:
(a) How many stoppages have been ordered in terms of section 54 of the Mine and Health Safety Act, Act 29 of 1996, in each of the past three years and (b) how many of these stoppages were ordered in each province? NW326E
REPLY
(a) and (b)
The total numbers of statutory instructions/notices issued in terns of Section 54 of the Mine Health and Safety Act (MHSA) by each province are detailed in the 2011/12 and 2012/13 Mine Health and Safety Inspectorate annual reports which were tabled in parliament.
Please note that the 2013/14 annual report will also be tabled in parliament later this year.
Reply received: August 2014
QUESTION NUMBER: 247 ADVANCE NOTICE NO: NW 325E
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 27 June 2014
INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NUMBER: 02
247. Mr J R B Lorimer (DA) to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources:
(a) What is the name of each company involved in mining in which the State owns an interest and (b) what were the demands on or contributions to the fiscus from each of the specified companies in each of the past three financial years? NW325E
REPLY
(a) Alexkor Limited, African Exploration and Mining Development Corporation, Pan African Mineral Development Company, Public Investment Corporation, Industrial Development Corporation and Limpopo Economic Development Enterprise
(b) All information relating to the financials of the last three years are captured in their respective annual reports.
Reply received: August 2014
QUESTION NUMBER: 246 ADVANCE NOTICE NO: NW 324E
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 27 June 2014
INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NUMBER: 02
246. Mr J R B Lorimer (DA) to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources:
(a) Why did his department grant prospecting rights to two mineral companies (names furnished) over the same sections of land near Hotazel, (b) what steps has his department taken to resolve the matter and (c) by what date will the matter be resolved;
(2) whether a certain person (name furnished) currently holds any position in a certain mineral company (name furnished); (a) if not, (i) what positions did the specified person hold previously and (b) what is the date of the specified person's resignation; if so, what position;
(3) whetheranyotherdepartmentalstaffmemberholdsanypositioninthespecifid mineral company? NW324E
REPLY:
(1) (a), (b) and (d) This is subject to an internal appeal. The outcome of the appeal will clarify the matter,
(2) No.
(a) (i) Chairperson.
(b) He resigned on 31 October 2011.
(3) No departmental staff holds any position in the company,
Reply received: August 2014
QUESTION NUMBER: 183 ADVANCE NOTICE N0: NW 232E
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 17 June 2014
INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NUMBER: 01
183. Adv H C Schmidt (DA) to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources:
(1) What are the details of all the costs of the maintenance of the pot plants in his (a) departmental offices and (b) official residence (i) in the (aa) 2009-10, (bb) 2010-11, (cc) 2011-12, (dd) 2012-13 and (ee) 2013-14 financial years and (ii) since 1 April 2014;
(2) in respect of the pot plant maintenance, (a) what is the (i) address and (ii) name of the office where they were/are displayed, (b) for whose benefit are these pot plants, (c) what was/is the value of maintenance for each office and (d) what are the details of any contracts and/or plans for the maintenance of these pot plants in the future?
REPLY
(1) None.
(2) Falls away.
Reply received: August 2014
QUESTION NUMBER: 149 ADVANCE NOTICE NO: NW 162E
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 17 June 2014
INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NUMBER: 01
Mr S M Gana (DA) to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources:
What are the details of all expenditure that was found to have been (a) irregular and (b) wasteful in his department for each year from 1 April 2009 up to the latest specified date for which information is available; in respect of each such finding of (a) irregular and (b) wasteful expenditure, (i) what (aa) is the description thereof, (bb) is the value thereof and (cc) action has been taken against the persons accountable for such expenditure and (ii) how much thereof (aa) has been recovered and @b) from whom? NW162E
REPLY
(1)
(a) See attached spread sheet.
(b) No wasteful expenditure was reported during the above-specified period.
(2)
(a) (i) (aa)(bb)(cc) See attached spread sheet (ii) (aa) None (bb) Falls away
(b) (i) (aa)(bb)(cc) (ii) (aa) (bb): Falls away
Reply received: August 2014
QUESTION NUMBER: 117 ADVANCE NOTICE N0: NW127E
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 17 June 2014
INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NUM6ER: 01
117. Mr D T George (DA) to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources:
(1) What are the details of official credit cards issued to (a) him and/or (b) his staff;
(2) in respect of each credit card, (a) what is the (i) name and (ii) organogram position of the user, (b) what is the (i) maximum permissible value of each purchase and (ii) total credit limit of the card, (c) what are the details of permissible purchases for which the credit cards may be used and (d) may alcoholic beverages be purchased;
(3) in respect of purchases made with each credit card during the period 8 May 2014 and/or thereafter up to the latest specified date for which information is available, (a) what is the (i) name and (ii) organogram position of the user, (b) what is the (i) value of each purchase made, (ii) what are the details of each item purchased and (iii) for what purpose was each purchase made and (c) were any alcoholic beverages purchased; if so, (i) what are the (aa) details and (bb) value of these purchases and (ii) for what purpose was each purchase made?
NW?27E
REPLY
(1) No credit cards were issued to
(a) The Minister and/or
(b) His staff
(2) Falls away
(3) Falls away
Reply received: August 2014
QUESTION NUMBER: 84 ADVANCE NOTICE N0:NW92E
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER:8 MARCH 2013
INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER NUMBER :17 June 2014
84. Or A Lotriet (DA) to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources:
(1) How many (a) international and (b) domestic flights were undertaken by (i) him and (ii) his predecessors using (aa) aircraft operated by the military, (bb) aircraft chartered by the military or (m) commercial aircraft during the period 1 April 2013 up to the latest specified date for which information is available;
(2) in respect of each specified flight, what was the (a)(i) date and (ii) place of (aa) departure and (bb) arrival and (b)(i) total cost and (ii) breakdown of such costs?
NW92E
REPLY
1.
| No. | Minister Adv N Ramatlhodi (i) | Predecessor (ii) | Total |
| (a) International | 1 | 15 | 16 |
| (b) Domestic | 4 | 68 | 72 |
| (aa) Operated by Military | None | None | None |
| (bb) Chartered by Military | None | None | None |
| (cc) Commercial | 5 | 83 | 88 |
2. (a)(i) (ii) (aa) (bb) Refer to attached spread sheet (b) (i) R1 420 507.30 (II) Refer to attached spread sheet
Reply received: March 2014
QUESTION NUMBER 41 ADVANCED NOTICE NO: NW 42 E
DATE OF PUBLICATION IN INTERNAL QUESTION PAPER: 13 February 2014
INTERNAL QUESTION NUMBER: 1
41. Mr M W Rabotapi (DA) to ask the Minister of Mineral Resources:
(1) How much does her department plan to spend on (a) advertising, (b) communication and (c) marketing between 1 January 2014 and 30 April 2014 (i) in total and (ii) as a breakdown of the amount;
(2) (a) what mediums is her department going to use in each case and (b) who is the service provider to be used;
(3) what is the main message that her department plans to communicate during this time?
NW42E
REPLY
(1) (a) Advertising – R154 000
(b) Communication – R205 000
(c) Marketing – R2 175 000
(i) R2 534 000
(ii) Breakdown;
Promotion Items
Branding (banners) – R94 000
Generic Promotion Items – R60 000
Marketing
Departmental programs which include information on MPRDA amendments and shale gas Regulations – R2 175 000
Communication
Information of shale gas – R205 000
(2) (a) Traditional and New Media
(b) Different service providers as per departmental policies and procedures
(3) Departmental programs (creating awareness and informing the public about departmental programs such as MPRDA amendments)