South Africa’s surface mining industry association, ASPASA, has come out in full support of new Mineral Resources minister, Gwede Mantashe, and renewed its commitment to work with the department to advance mining nationally.
While the association enjoys an excellent relationship with the Department of Mineral Resources, as well as other stakeholders in the industry including the Chamber of Mines, organised labour and other industry bodies, developments under previous minister, Mozebenzi Zwane, had somewhat strained relationships with allegations of unfair and biased practices.
“We therefore look forward to a new era of prosperity under Minister Mantashe and hold him in the highest regard while trusting that his moral compass will lead the industry on a new path of growth and development.
“At the same time, however, we will continue to stand for just practices and a level playing field to ensure that the surface mining sector remains profitable and is able to grow sustainably, while not being impeded by unfair or onerous legislation and requirements imposed by Government,” says ASPASA director, Nico Pienaar.
Pienaar concludes that the association will encourage discussion with the incoming minister to look at challenges and opportunities facing the industry and to plot a new way forward to profitability and inclusivity of the industry in a safe and sustainable environment.
