Mining needs to be put back on an even keel as fast as possible

Very telling were the comments of Deputy Minerals Minister Godfrey Oliphant during last week’s radio interview with 702 morning host Xolani Gwala. During the interview, the experienced Deputy Minister made no bones about his discomfort at not being consulted on Mineral Resources Minister Mosebenzi Zwane’s proposed mineral rights moratorium and his determination to make good the damage already done by the unworkable Mining Charter Three and the moratorium on mineral rights. “No, the Minister did not raise the matter of suspending licences with me,” said Oliphant, who has served under three Mineral Resources Ministers with distinction. Interestingly, Zwane’s attempt to suspend mining right, prospecting right and Section 11 ownership transfer applications – and their renewal – is evoking far more strident opposition than the ultra-confusing revised charter that preceded it.