JOHANNESBURG (miningweekly.com) – The Department of Mineral Resources (DMR) on Thursday said Minister Mosebenzi Zwane had not yet taken any decision to implement a moratorium on the processing of mining or prospecting right applications.
This follows after the Chamber of Mines (CoM) reported that the DMR head office had instructed all DMR regional offices to stop processing any Section 11 new mining right or prospecting right applications submitted after July 19.
Zwane on July 19 gazetted an invitation to comment on a proposal to restrict the granting of new mining and prospecting rights applications and to restrict the renewal and transfer of any existing prospecting and mining rights, stating that it was in the national interest and promoted the sustainable development of the nation’s mineral resources.
Interested parties were given until August 4 to comment on the proposal.
An urgent interdict application by the CoM to prohibit Zwane from implementing the moratorium is also due to be heard in the High Court on August 4.
Various lawyers have said the proposed moratorium was likely beyond the powers of the Minister, while the proposal was also heavily criticised by the mining industry and unions.
The DMR stated that the CoM’s statement was “misinformed” and that it would continue to receive submissions on the proposal until August 4.
“The Minister will then be in a position to make an informed decision, taking into account the needs and interests of all South Africans,” it added.