Minerals Council South Africa has criticised the draft Mineral Resources Development Bill, arguing it fails to incorporate critical feedback from the mining industry.
In a statement on Tuesday, Minerals Council SA Chief Executive Officer, Mzila Mthenjane revealed that while the Council engaged briefly with the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources, their recommendations were largely ignored.
“The draft bill is not optimal,” Mthenjane stated, adding that discussions with officials were superficial and lacked access to detailed legislative wording.
A key concern centres on prospecting companies being subjected to empowerment requirements meant for mining rights holders.
Mthenjane emphasised that the Council repeatedly urged exemptions for prospectors, who already face high risks and financial burdens in exploration activities.
“Exploration demands every rand for drilling and data analysis, yet the bill offers no relief,” he said. Despite Minister Gwede Mantashe public assurances on the issue, the draft legislation omits these critical adjustments.
The Minerals Council is now reviewing the bill in detail and plans further talks with the department.
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