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South Africa’s mines chamber challenges mining rights freeze in court

By Staff Writer 26 Jul 2017 1 Min Read Save

Last updated: 26 Jul 2017, 07:34

Mosebenzi Zwane, South Africa's Minister of Mineral Resources, speaks at a media briefing at the Investing in African Mining Inbaba in Cape Town, February 8, 2016. REUTERS/Mike Hutchings

JOHANNESBURG – South Africa’s Chamber of Mines has lodged an urgent court application to prevent the mines minister from suspending the issuance of new mining and prospecting rights, the industry body said on Tuesday.

“The industry has no option but to proceed with court action to ensure that the minister acts within the law,” the chamber said in a statement. It said the case will be heard on Aug 4.

Mineral Resources Minister Mosebenzi Zwane said last week he intended to suspend the granting of applications for prospecting and mining rights pending a court case to review a new charter that increased the required level of ownership of mining firms by black people.

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