Mineral and petroleum resources under scrutiny
Job creation, improved business practices and housing in focus at public hearings on mining
IN the latest round of public hearings, a group gathered in Richards Bay on Monday for a briefing on the proposed amendments to the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act.
Conducted by the KZN Legislature’s Portfolio Committee on Economic Development and Tourism, and attended by role players in the mineral and petroleum industry, Department of Mineral Resources (DMR) legal staff and community members and leaders, the purpose of the public hearings is to seek citizens’ input on proposed amendments.
Such amendments seek to strengthen existing social and labour plans, streamline the licensing of mining rights and provide for the State’s active participation in petroleum development.
Specific objectives of the amendments include addressing job creation in the mining sector, improving ways in which business is carried out in the sector, and the enforcement of housing for miners.
The amendments also take into account sensitive issues, including the percentage mining companies must allocate to community development, community consultation prior to operations, and the requirement of regional managers to provide feedback on the outcome of such consultations to all stakeholders.
After some confusion at the Mtubatuba public hearing, Sthembiso Nsele, Senior Legal Advisor at the KZN Legislature, reiterated that stakeholders include both the businesses interested in mining and the communities a proposed mine would affect.
Proposed amendments to specific sections of the Act include substituting section nine’s ‘first come first served’ application process with a process whereby the minister reserves the right to periodically invite applications by notice in the Gazette.
Section 26 will be amended to strengthen links between mining and manufacturing to maximise the value realised from the country’s mineral resources by its citizens.
This amendment seeks to eliminate the ‘triple developmental’ challenges of unemployment, inequality and poverty.
Section 99’s amendment provides for improved sanctions for offences committed under the Act.
Offences will be a percentage of a rights holder’s annual turnover and exports for the preceding financial year.
A good turnout at the Richards Bay public hearing meant that members of the public were able to participate in the bill amendment process.
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