[miningmx.com] – SOUTH African president, Jacob Zuma, said proposed amendments to mines legislation were sent back to Parliament because of the excessive discretion given to the mines minister, a potential conflict with international trade agreements, and issues relating to unconstitutionality.
Citing a letter by Zuma to Parliament dated January 16, BDLive said amendments to the Mineral & Petroleum Resources Development Act might contravene the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade, and the Trade, Development and Co-operation Agreement.
It added that the amendments were not properly discussed at the National Council of Provinces – a development that Mark Cutifani, CEO of Anglo American, said was understandable, although he warned that agreements on amendments with the mining sector should not be changed back.
“I understand their logic and their concerns about oil and gas and about some of the elements which need more work, and on the basis of our conversation we will support them — though we want to make sure the principles we have already agreed are retained,” said Cutifani.
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