Something like 16 to 19 manganese mining operations have been licenced by government over a period of years without a word being mentioned by government and very little coming through from the mining companies themselves, owing to none of them being directly listed. One JSE-listed mining group provides indirect information as it has manganese in its portfolio.
But more insight is needed, as unofficial reports coming from the sector sometimes point to irregularities being prevalent. The South African people are the custodians of South Africa’s mineral endowment, but they are being kept in the dark by the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE) expecting the companies themselves to make their own announcements. But being private, these companies seldom do so in any meaningful manner.
The DMRE could solve the problem by being fully transparent by publicising all licence applications and licence awards. At the same time, companies not wanting to list on the JSE should be obliged to put out annual reports to ensure that the South African people can see that they are carrying their social and labour plan obligations, enhancing national patrimony and allowing their activities to see the full light of day. Manganese prices are well off iron-ore prices, which are in the public eye to a far greater extent because of a primary JSE listing of the leading company.