Mineral Resources Minister Mosebenzi Zwane (MP) has called for greater coordination between mining companies and government at national and local level. This, the Minister said, will ensure that social and labour plans respond better to the needs of host and labour sending communities.
"It is extremely important for industry to serve the needs of communities where it operates, as well as those from which it sources labour," the Minister said.
Speaking at the launch of social and labour plan projects by Anglo American Platinum's Union Mine, a joint venture with the Bakgatla ba Kgafela Traditional Authority, Minister Zwane commended the work of all stakeholders in ensuring that these projects were completed, in line with commitments made by the mine as a prerequisite for the granting of their mining right.
"With greater collaboration we will be able to achieve even greater things for our communities, so that we can indeed realize the objectives of the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act (MPRDA) - that the people derive sustainable benefit from the minerals beneath the soil," Minister Zwane said.
"The Mining Charter is clear on the objectives that must be met by each right holder, and we commend those who have embraced this, and have not just treated it as a matter of compliance. We will also continue to act, in line with the law, where a right holder is not complying with the Act," the Minister said.
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