Sign in Subscribe
Mining industry

Mining Industry Prepares for Long-Term Talks with Government

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The mining industry in South Africa is gearing up for lengthy negotiations with the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy over the contentious draft Mineral Resources Development Bill. The Minerals Council SA, the main umbrella group for the industry, has expressed concerns over the bill's shortcomings, which may discourage investment and job creation. The council has submitted a detailed report to the department, outlining its concerns and proposals for improvement. The talks are expected to be a marathon rather than a sprint, with the industry and the government working together to find common ground.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Minerals Council SA has expressed concerns over the draft Mineral Resources Development Bill, citing its potential to discourage investment and job creation.
  • The council has submitted a detailed report to the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy, outlining its concerns and proposals for improvement.
  • The industry is seeking certainty, predictability, and a competitive regulatory environment in the bill.
  • The bill's reliance on unpublished regulations makes it difficult for the industry to engage with the department in detail.
  • The Minerals Council SA has a factsheet that highlights its transformation credentials, including a 39% ownership stake in the mining sector by historically disadvantaged South Africans.
  • The industry invests more than R3-billion annually in community development through Social and Labour Plans (SLPs).
  • Monthly per capita earnings for miners have increased six-fold over the past 20 years, reaching over R30,000.

Statistics:

  • Historically disadvantaged South Africans now have a 39% ownership stake in the mining sector.
  • The industry invests more than R3-billion annually in community development through Social and Labour Plans (SLPs).
  • Women now make up 19% of the full-time workforce in the mining sector.
  • Monthly per capita earnings for miners have increased six-fold over the past 20 years, reaching over R30,000.
  • The industry has set a one percent Net Profit After Tax benchmark for community development expenditure.

Sources:

  • Minerals Council SA. (2025, August 18). Minerals Council SA Submission on Draft Mineral Resources Development Bill.
  • Minerals Council SA. (2025, August 18). Statement on Draft Mineral Resources Development Bill.
  • Presentation by the Minerals Council SA on the draft Mineral Resources Development Bill.
  • Study on Employment Equity and Human Resource Development (2023).
  • Factsheet on the Transformation Credentials of the Minerals Council SA.

Read more