[miningmx.com] — The department of mineral resources (DMR) said on Thursday its proposed regulatory reforms were planned to kick in mid-2011.
Central to the reforms is the objective of removing the ambiguities in the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act (MPRDA) as well as refining other aspects, such as procedures relating to consultation.
This issue was given a new impetus following the recent ruling of the Constitutional Court.
“It is critical for us to reform the law accordingly and to take into account the areas of weakness in our regulatory framework. It is important for potential investors to see that there is stability and terms of engagement are very clear,’ said the director-general of department, Sandile Nogxina.
The announcement came after the department and its key stakeholders in business and labour met in Pretoria.
Under the auspices of the Mining Industry Growth, Development and Employment Task Team (MIGDETT) the members discussed strategies for sustainable growth and transformation.
“Industry bodies represented by the Chamber of Mines of South Africa and the South African Mining Development Association and labour represented by the National Union of Mineworkers deliberated on progress by the smaller task team in areas including exploration, innovation, infrastructure and human resources development,” said spokesperson Zingaphi Jakuja.
“It is critical for us to reform the law accordingly and to take into account the areas of weakness in our regulatory framework… It is important for potential investors to see that there is stability and terms of engagement are very clear,” said Nogxina.
