The licences converted were for the Finsch mine, Buffels Marine, Buffels Inland, Dikgat, Brand-se-Baai and Koingnaas. A new rights Sapplication was also granted for the Verdun area, which formed part of the Namaqualand mines, in the Northern Cape.

Conversions for the Venetia mine, in Limpopo province, have also now been executed.

De Beers Consolidated Mines MD David Noko said the company was pleased that it had received the eight rights, and was encour- aged by the assistance it had received from the Department of Minerals and Energy (DME).

“The complexity and scope of the Act as an instrument to further social and economic development, and to foster transformation in the South African economy, and, therefore, in our society is something often not fully appreciated. Regular engagement with the DME and with the communities that surround our mines has contributed to the successful conclusion of these conversions.”

Noko added that the certainty the eight new-order mining rights brought was important as mining was an industry of significant risk, and required deep capital commitment over decades and, therefore, long-term planning.

Noko stated that he was optimistic that the mining rights received for the Finsch and Namaqualand areas illustrated that the cooperative planning and discussion that had taken place between De Beers and communities, as well as local and provincial government, had helped to build a common purpose.

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