Mineral Resources and Energy Minister Gwede Mantashe
Photo by: Creamer Media
The Minerals Council South Africa has welcomed Minerals Resources and Energy Minister Gwede Mantashe's decision to withdraw his notice of appeal to the Supreme Court of Appeal in respect of a declaratory order issued in April 2018 by the High Court of South Africa (Gauteng Division).
The declaratory order held that black economic empowerment (BEE) ownership transactions should continue to be recognised for regulatory certainty purposes and for the duration of a mining right, even where the BEE partner has sold or transferred part or all of its equity.
The council says it is pleased that this perspective is now undisputed, in furtherance of its role of protecting the interests of all stakeholders.
The standing decision of the court does not have an impact on the application for a review of the provision of the 2018 Mining Charter’s provision that recognition of continuing consequences would not apply in the cases of transfer or renewal of mining rights. That matter is still in progress in the High Court.
Both the Minerals Council and the Minister have long expressed the hope that this matter can be resolved through engagement rather than through the courts.
The council says it recognises that inclusive transformation is a key imperative for the mining industry as a whole and says it will continue to engage with the Minister and his team on how this can best be achieved.
“This step by the Minister is welcomed as it advances the goal of achieving much-needed regulatory certainty in the sector,” the council says.