SA Observer 124 Jul 2020 09:31
Mining sector recovery plan to focus on implementation of SSM framework
Government has a recovery plan aimed at restoring business confidence, stimulating investments as well as safeguarding and creating jobs in the mining and energy sector.
According to Stats South Africa, at the end of June, the mining sector was the most significant contributor to the economy's poor performance in the first quarter. Mining activity slowed by 21.5% - this was the biggest slump in six years.
"The Mining and Energy Recovery Plan intends to restore and restructure the industry within the context of a renewed, sustainable minerals and energy complex, pivotal in the reindustrialization of the country while transforming the mining and energy industry," Tourism Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi-Ngubane said.
The Minister was on Tuesday delivering the Budget Vote Speech of the Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy, Gwede Mantashe, who is recovering from COVID-19.
The mining sector's economic recovery plan will focus on the implementation of the Small Scale Mining (SSM) Framework; forming partnerships with aligned departments and entities to leverage on their resources and experiences for maximum impact.
The plan also widens reach by providing technical, social regulatory support for community-based projects; as well as developing an artisanal and SSM policy.
Artisanal, small-scale mining policy
The Department of Mineral Resources and Energy intends to develop an artisanal and small-scale mining policy.
"Currently the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act (MPRDA) does not define artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) concepts and does not sufficiently cater for the artisanal mining industry. Small scale miners are virtually treated the same as large scale miners in terms of environmental, water use, health and safety and financial provisioning requirements," the Minister said.
Small scale projects
She said as of 1 April 2020, the department has approved R38 million towards rehabilitation costs, exploration and capitalization of small scale projects.
The department has already drafted a paper on a set of interventions to revive and increase the competitiveness and sustainability of the ferrochrome sector.
"This paper will soon be presented to Cabinet for approval. These interventions will ensure that we derive maximum benefit from the comparative advantage of our mineral wealth, save jobs and place this sector on a new growth path," the Minister said.
Assessment of Molteno-Indwe coalfield, Ga-Ramokoka Carbonatite Complex completed
Kubayi-Ngubane said a reconnaissance assessment of the Molteno-Indwe coalfield in the Eastern Cape and the Ga-Ramokoka Carbonatite Complex in the North West Provinces has been concluded.
"Preliminary results in the Molteno-Indwe coalfields show an estimated economically exploitable coal tonnage of 320 million tonnes, with a value beneath the ground of R122 billion, using a conservative estimate