Zwane: future of South Africa's mining is bright

08-FEB-16
Minister Zwane to open Mining Indaba 2016
https://t.co/dvHYV5TuIZ via @Mineweb
pic.twitter.com/hkba1upiGW
Moneyweb News (@Moneyweb) February 2, 2016Mineral
Resources Minister Mosebenzi Zwane was part of a
discussion panel at a New Age Business Breakfast held in
Sandton on 5 February. The event's theme was "Revival of the mining sector, its business viability
and ensuring job security".Mineral Resources Discussion underway #TNABizBrief with Minister
Zwane, Acting DG Msiza and Analyst Clive @DMR_SA pic.twitter.com/sVT3BkSd9G
Karabo (@Iam_KaraboDark) February 5, 2016The panel included David Msiza, the acting directorgeneral in the Department of Mineral Resources, and investment specialist Clive Ramathibela-Smith.
Also in attendance were industry players, government officials and other stakeholders, including
Eskom chief executive Brian Molefe.Zwane kicked off the discussion with an admission that 2016
was going to be a challenging year for the mining sector: "This year is not only a time to talk but also
for action to push the industry forward."Msiza added that there were several short- and long-term
plans to enable this progress, most vitally addressing mining job losses. "We have formulated a
declaration on saving jobs in mining that will have to be implemented this year. Transformation as
well as health and safety are also very important to the sector."[embedded content]Unpacking these
important issues during his first five months as minister, Zwane said he had met with several chief
executives of primary right holder companies. The meetings had been held to address the lack of
progress in the ideals of the Mining Charter, in essence the 26% black ownership goal.According to
the minister, all parties wanted to solve this issue amicably, without the need for legal steps, as had
been reported in the media, because all parties fully believed in the principles of the charter. He
insisted that this was not a compromise on the government's stance on black empowerment, but
something that needed to fit all the stakeholders concerned."I have also sat down with overseas
stakeholders in order to stop predicted job losses. I am happy to say that these discussions managed
to save 3000 jobs in the sector this year."This was a good step on which to start off the Mining
Indaba, Zwane said, with several African governments and private sector players involved in
mapping out a constructive way forward for the industry, or as he called it: "reviving the industry to
its full potential and ensuring obstacles are removed to address concerns of all stakeholders
involved".[embedded content]All his discussions were fruitful and the parties concerned welcomed
his open-door policy regarding labour disputes, including resolving issues with Section 54 mine
stoppage notices that had affected productivity during 2015.The panel moderator, SABC's Peter
Ndoro, asked the acting director-general about one of the prominent issues in the sector,
particularly when it came to ongoing labour negotiations: the sometimes opaque policy. When do
stakeholders get full clarity on mining policies in South Africa, he asked?[embedded content]Msiza
reiterated the belief that collaboration was key: "Each stakeholder might have different views on
things like policy legislation and labour disputes, but in the end, we all have the same objective,
which is the sustainability of the mining sector and that the right people benefit from the
industry."Ongoing negotiations and amendments around the Mineral and Petroleum Resources
Development Act and open discussions at events such as the Mining Indaba went a long way to

addressing challenges and gaining clarity on what mining in South Africa was and what it should be
for all its stakeholders.Further highlights[embedded content][embedded content]Selected
quotes#Zwane #TNABizBrief the period we are in needs cool heads and proper leadership. We must
be responsible in dealing with issues.
Dept Minerals RSA (@DMR_SA) February 5, 2016#Zwane #TNABizBrief the issue of job losses is a
sensitive one and we plead with all parties to handle it as such.
Dept Minerals RSA (@DMR_SA) February 5, 2016#Zwane #TNABizBrief the future of mining is
bright, we have R50 trillion worth of reserves.
Dept Minerals RSA (@DMR_SA) February 5, 2016#TNABizBrief Zwane says there's light at the end
of the tunnel our economy will recover but we need to be responsible and work together
The_New_Age (@The_New_Age) February 5, 2016Source: SABC Digital News
http://www.southafrica.info/news/business/mining-minister-zwane-080216.htm