Parly's mineral committee chair to govt: Help small-scale miners to comply

CAPE TOWN - Parliament’s Mineral and Petroleum Resources committee says it would like to see the government give more artisanal and small-scale miners access to the industry.

Chairperson Mikateko Mahlaule says in light of a major illegal mining standoff with authorities in Stilfontein - better legislation for small-scale miners must be introduced.

Currently, the artisanal and small-scale mining sector is only regulated by a departmental policy.

ALSO READ: 17 other illegal miners have resurfaced in Stilfontein

Mahlaule says a review of the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act is urgently needed to address the shortcomings.

"Because it’s not legislation. It’s a policy. We don’t think it has teeth. It doesn’t enable the government to assist small-scale and artisanal mining. So it’s very urgent. And that’s why we are making submissions on the review of the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act to factor in this important aspect of artisanal and small-scale miners."

Mahlaule says the committee is also concerned the department is not doing enough to assist such small-scale miners to enter the sector and including providing them with funding.

"So, you have 114 who are applying for funding and then you take 20. We were concerned about that. Issues that were raised there were compliance issues. The industry is not occupied by sophisticated people. It’s a pick and a shovel-person.

"And we are saying the department should assist them to comply. If there’s a document missing, call them so they bring that document, so they comply."

Meanwhile, Mahlaule applauded the police for the work done to crack down on illegal mining.