Mining has long been the backbone of South Africa’s economy. Alongside agriculture, it is the biggest sector of the economy, employing almost half a million people. But beneath its surface lies a growing crisis – the surge in...more
Every employer in South Africa has the legal obligation to provide and maintain a safe working environment, as far as is reasonably practicable, which is without risk to the health of employees. This legal duty includes,...more
It is fair to say that although the South African mining industry represents 8% of our GDP, and employs approximately 450 000 people, by 2019 figures, it is SA's sweetheart industry. The mining industry was one of the first...more
On Friday, 8 May 2020, the Labour Court upheld an urgent application by the National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa (NUMSA) and the SA Cabin Crew Association (the Unions) against South African Airways (SAA) and its...more
On 1 May 2020, the Labour Court handed down a highly anticipated order in the application instituted by the Association of Mineworkers and Construction Union (AMCU) against the Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy...more
On 29 April 2020, regulations were issued in terms of the Disaster Management Act 57 of 2002 that regulate how the country will operate under an Alert Level 4 (Regulations). The Alert Level 4 will be applicable from 1 May...more
Who makes the best chocolate in the world, the Swiss or the Belgians? Either way, neither of these countries owns vast tracts of cocoa plantations. They import the raw materials to make the chocolate. Yet we would all agree...more
On 16 April 2020, amendments were issued to the regulations published under the Disaster Management Act, 2002, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, which will significantly impact the mining industry during the nationwide...more
The Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy, Mr Gwede Mantashe, has issued Directions in terms of the Disaster Management Act in order to provide additional guidance to the mining industry during the national state of...more
As the nation comes to grips with the unprecedented nationwide lockdown of 21 days (and perhaps even longer if needed), businesses are making such adjustments as they can to preserve their commercial viability. Those (lucky...more
Despite what appears to have been a broad-based consultation process on Draft Mining Charter 2018, interested and affected parties have been invited to submit written representations on Draft Mining Charter 2018 by 27 July...more
During 2016, South Africa (SA) exported some US$6.8 billion (about 9.2% of our total exports) to the People’s Republic of China (China). This is about 25% more than SA exported to the USA in the same year....more
International Ferro Metals (SA) Pty Ltd (IFMSA) went into business rescue on 26 August 2015. Its ferrochrome smelter and dedicated Lesedi Mine fell victim to a combination of economic, regulatory and socio-political factors...more
Swift, decisive and severe. This was the immediate reaction to the much anticipated third mining charter for the South African mining industry. No sooner had the Minister of Minerals announced, published and brought into...more
The publication of the Reviewed Broad-based Black Economic Empowerment Charter for the South African Mining and Minerals Industry, 2016 in the Government Gazette on 15 June 2017 (MC17) had and immediate, dramatic effect on...more
On 8 December 2014, the agreement between the three Departments of Mineral Resources (DMR), Environmental (DEA) and Water Affairs, also known as the “One Environmental System” became a reality. In principle, this was aimed at...more