As pointed out in the well-received 30-page discussion document of the economic transformation committee, the South African mining industry has in recent years experienced falling levels of investment and exploration, job losses, and increased cost pressures, but despite these problems, South Africa still remains a global mining powerhouse.
We agree wholeheartedly with the document that there is no longer any place for regulatory disputes and uncertainties and that these should be resolved with immediate effect. South Africa Inc as a collective must focus its attention on expanded investment in mining and increased research and development, led by Mintek and the Mandela Mining Precinct, as well as increased mining exploration, with the Council for Geoscience playing a leading role, to ensure long-term expansion of the sector.
We agree fully that listings of mining companies on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange should be encouraged and South African retail investors willing to invest in mining exploration should be incentivised, as is the case in other mining jurisdictions.