announced the new Minerals and Mining Development Board
20 July 2007
The Board was established in terms of section 57 of the Mineral and
Petroleum Resources Act (MPRDA) and was launched in June 2005. Its objectives
include advising the Minister on any matter referred to it in terms of MPRDA,
including the sustainable development of South Africa's mineral resources, the
transformation and downscaling of the mining and minerals industry and dispute
resolution.
Speaking after today's board meeting, Sonjica expressed serious concerns at
De Beer's director Jonathan Oppenheimer's comments about the costs of
beneficiation earlier this week.
"One moment De Beers commits to beneficiation in this country. Next moment
they are sending this message. Beneficiation is going to be law in this
country."
"We thought that our relationship was open enough for them to approach us if
they had these concerns about beneficiation," Sonjica said. She said she was
disappointed at Oppenheimer's comments because De Beers was widely seen as
pioneers of beneficiation in South Africa.
She said government would not back-track on its commitment to promote
beneficiation as it played an important role in government's efforts to create
jobs and achieve the targets set in AsgiSA.
Fred Gona of the National Union of Mineworkers said: "We find it strange
given their relationship with the government of Botswana where a decision has
been taken to promote beneficiation."
"We see this as pure selfishness from De Beers. As far as we are concerned,
huge benefits can accrue from our pursuit of beneficiation as we have seen in
the experience of China and India."
The board also discussed the slow pace of transformation in the mining
industry. Sonjica said she was concerned about that. She said the Department of
Minerals and Energy intended to hold a black economic empowerment summit before
the end of the year.
The Summit, she said, would address issues such as fronting and access to
finance.
The board has established a sub-committee to look at the alleged decline in
investment in the mining industry. Other issues discussed at the meeting
included a code of conduct for the mining industry.
The board which serves a period of three years comprises:
* Sandile Nogxina (chairperson)
* Brigette Radebe (Deputy chairperson)
* Senzeni Zokwana (National Union of Mineworkers)
* Fred Gona (National Union of Mineworkers)
* Mzolisi Diliza (Chamber of Mines)
* Tim Kruger (United Association of South Africa)
* Abe Mngomezulu (Department of Minerals and Energy)
* Nchaka Moloi (Motjoli Resources)
* Steve Phiri (Merafe Resources)
* Smangele Mngomezulu (South African Women In Mining Association)
* Mthozami Xiphu (Petroleum Agency SA)
* Jacinto Rocha (Department of Minerals and Energy)
* Joanne Yawitch (Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism)
* Thabo Gazi (Department of Minerals and Energy)
* Petrus Fusi (Mintek)
* Tebogo Kebotlhale (Mafikeng Industrial Development Zone)
* Moscow Marumo.
Enquiries:
Ms Bontle Mafuna
Chief Director: Communication
Tel: 012 317 8185
Fax: 012 322 4954
Cell: 082 773 2388
Issued by: Department of Minerals and Energy
20 July 2007
