The visit focused on engaging mining companies, community leaders, and small-scale miners to address key challenges in the Northern Cape’s mining sector.
Image: File picture
THE PORTFOLIO Committee on Mineral and Petroleum Resources wrapped up a week-long oversight visit to the Northern Cape with calls for legislative reform and improved accountability in the province’s mining sector.
The visit focused on several key issues, including compliance with Social and Labour Plans (SLPs) by major players such as Assmang Manganese (Black Rock Operation), South32, and Ekapa Mining, while also addressing growing concerns over illegal mining of green fluorite and rose quartz in Vredesvallei and Riemvasmaak. A dispute over sugilite mining between Assmang and PP Gemstone Mining and Exporting (Pty) Ltd was also on the agenda.
Throughout the week, the committee held extensive engagements with community stakeholders, including the South African National Civic Organisation (Sanco), traditional leaders, and community mining forums in the John Taolo Gaetsewe District, as well as artisanal and small-scale miners in Frances Baard. These discussions helped highlight barriers facing smaller miners and provided a platform for “high-level interventions” to resolve long-standing issues.
One of the immediate outcomes was a call for a dedicated workshop on mining permit applications for communities in Vredesvallei and Riemvasmaak. The committee further reported that Assmang and South32 had agreed to work toward amicable resolutions with PP Gemstone Mining and Sanco, respectively.
As Parliament awaits the tabling of the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Amendment Bill, the committee welcomed the opportunity to hear directly from miners about how certain clauses in the existing Act — especially Sections 41, 54, and 102 — “serve as barriers for aspiring artisanal and small-scale miners.”
Members said these sections “require urgent review” to create a more inclusive mining environment. They pointed to the Frances Baard District’s artisanal mining initiatives as a model of success and proposed a review of all fees linked to small-scale mining applications. The committee also suggested the creation of an independent body to monitor SLP compliance.
Committee chairperson Mikateko Mahlaule praised the constructive spirit of the engagements and said the issues raised will be incorporated into the committee’s oversight report and recommendations. Once adopted by the National Assembly, these recommendations will be binding on the relevant department.
Related Topics: