BL Premium reports that a draft document from the Department of Mineral Resources (DMR) is proposing to place housing, health and infrastructure responsibilities squarely on mining companies, setting the stage for fresh conflict.
Commenting on Wednesday on the draft review document on housing and living conditions standards for the mineral industry, which was gazetted by mineral resources minister Gwede Mantashe on 20 March, Minerals Council SA (MCSA) president Mxolisi Mgojo said this was an untenable document for the sector in its current form. The document, when passed into law, will “form part of the terms and conditions of a mining right” and noncompliance with the extensive and detailed conditions that put all the responsibility for housing employees squarely on mining company could result in the loss of the right. “As the Minerals Council we do not believe the recently published Living and Housing Standard will resolve issues, and attempts to abrogate the developmental, infrastructure and service obligations of local government and impose them on the mining sector. This will not work,” he stated. Speaking at the MCSA’s 129th annual general meeting, Mgojo said it had proved frustratingly difficult for mining companies to work with underskilled and poorly managed municipalities. According to the SA Municipal Workers’ Union, 68% of municipalities in the North West are under central government administration.
- Read the full original of Allan Seccombe’s report on the above at BusinessLive (paywall access only)
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