Department Of Mineral Resources And Energy

The Department of Mineral Resources and Energy is a South African government department responsible for regulating and promoting the country's mining, minerals and energy sectors. The department oversees policy development, licensing and compliance across coal, oil, gas, electricity generation and distribution, as well as mineral extraction and beneficiation. It administers key legislation including the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act and the National Energy Regulator Act, and supervises entities such as the National Energy Regulator of South Africa (Nersa) and the Central Energy Fund. The department's mandate includes ensuring energy security, promoting investment in mining and energy infrastructure, and managing the transition to renewable energy sources. It plays a central role in South Africa's economic policy, given the country's reliance on mining exports and its ongoing challenges with electricity supply. The department also issues import and export permits for petroleum products and oversees strategic fuel stocks. It was formed in 2019 through the merger of the former Department of Mineral Resources and the Department of Energy, consolidating oversight of two closely linked sectors under a single ministry. The minister of mineral resources and energy is a member of Cabinet and reports to Parliament on sector performance and policy implementation.