SA’s mining Charter won’t be scrapped but revised - Mines minister

The Chamber of Mines is currently engaged in robust discussions with Mines Minister Gwede Mantashe regarding the revision of the Mining Charter in South Africa. Tebello Chabana, Senior Executive of Public Affairs and Transformation at the Chamber of Mines, highlighted the ongoing dialogue between the Chamber and the Minister. The discussions have been described as both agreeable and disagreeable as the two parties navigate through various aspects of the charter. Chabana acknowledged that it is still too early to determine the extent of agreement among the stakeholders involved, given that technical discussions on competitiveness and transformation are just commencing. Chabana clarified misconceptions about the Minister's approach to the revision, stating that while the current version of the Mining Charter serves as a reference point, the Chamber is also considering the previous versions to identify what worked and what didn't. He emphasized the need to address the shortcomings of past charters in the current revision to ensure a more effective outcome. Despite the challenges, Chabana expressed confidence that the Minister and the Department of Mineral Resources (DMR) are receptive to new ideas that promote transformation in the mining sector. When asked about the timeline for concluding the discussions, Chabana emphasized the importance of a thorough and inclusive process, suggesting that a three-month timeframe poses a significant challenge given the complexity of the issues at hand. While there is a desire to expedite the process, the Chamber prioritizes comprehensive deliberations to achieve a sustainable resolution. Regarding the Minister's background as a former leader of the National Union of Mineworkers and his extensive experience in the industry, Chabana viewed Mantashe's insights as advantageous to the negotiation process. Mantashe's familiarity with the challenges faced by the sector, including cyclical fluctuations, capital intensity, and cost pressures, positions him as a knowledgeable and informed counterpart in the discussions. Chabana underscored the importance of engaging with a Minister who comprehensively understands the dynamics of the mining industry, enabling a more constructive dialogue to address industry-specific issues. As the Chamber of Mines continues its engagements with the Mines Minister, stakeholders anticipate a collaborative effort to revise the Mining Charter in a manner that promotes sustainability, transformation, and competitiveness within the South African mining sector.