Pretoria - The Department of Mineral Resources will focus on speeding up transformation in the country’s mining sector, says Minister Ngoako Ramatlhodi.
Delivering his Budget Vote, on Tuesday afternoon, Minister NRamatlhodi said black people -- under the apartheid era – had been excluded from participating in the mainstream economy.
The Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act’s (MPRDA) introduction in 2004 represented a turning point on sectoral transformational legislation.
The country, he said, has a legislative framework covering both the mining and petroleum industries.
The minister added that since his appointment in May he has received concerns from stakeholders in both industries regarding the MPRDA Amendment Bill, which was approved by Parliament on March 12 and referred to President Jacob Zuma.
“Having spent time listening to stakeholders and taking cognisance of the fact that under our Constitution, a bill before the President can be referred back to Parliament if it cannot muster a Constitutional test, I am ready for any eventuality. In the event the current bill is assented to in its form, I commit to a rigorous and transparent engagement with stakeholders on draft regulations,” he said in his address to the National Assembly.
The minister has established an Inter-Ministerial Committee to accommodate concerns raised about the amendment bill.
“We undertake to continue to engage with and to address the concerns of stakeholders throughout this process of strengthening the regulatory framework during the course of this administration.
What is important for the department -- that has been allocated a R1.47 billion budget -- is a policy position that enables an investor friendly environment while also ensuring vital state interests.
Skills development
Skills development and education continue to be an important aspect for the sustainable development of the mining sector.
The department will enhance collaboration with the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) and other stakeholders through the Mining Qualification Authority (MQA), so as to improve skills development of the youth and mineworkers.
The department will also implement programmes to provide learners in townships and rural mining areas with skills in core mathematics and science.
Mining Charter
The minister said the Mining Charter, which marks its tenth year this year, was developed as a tool to effect sector transformation and is accompanied by a scorecard with clear targets. Its implementation by right holders was non-negotiable, he said.
“We want to reaffirm our commitment to sustainable transformation,” he said, adding that companies that are found to be non-compliant in terms of implementing the agreed upon targets will be issued with directives to ensure that they correct this.
“Failing which more stringent measures in line with the Act will be taken including the possibility of suspension or withdrawal of their rights.”
One of the requirements of the Charter is for mining companies to implement ways of improving housing and living conditions of mineworkers. – SAnews.gov.za
