Mineral Resources Minister Mosebenzi Zwane has appealed to stakeholders in the mining industry to engage directly with him on important matters and not rely on rumours as it only creates confusion.
The Minister’s appeal follows a statement issued by the Chamber of Mines on Thursday with regards to a moratorium on granting and processing of rights.
The Department of Mineral Resources said the statement was misinformed.
“No decision has been taken by the Minister of Mineral Resources to implement the moratorium.
“The notice gazetted by the Minister of Mineral Resources on the 19th of July 2017 calls for all relevant stakeholders to make representations to the Minister on the implications of and modalities surrounding the wording of the moratorium, if one is deemed necessary and appropriate after having received any and all such written submissions,” the department said.
The Minister will then be in a position to make an informed decision, taking into account the needs and interests of all South Africans.
The department will receive written submissions until 4 August. – SAnews.gov.za
