Contested mineral resources bill makes its way through National Assembly
The Mineral Petroleum and Resources Development Amendment Bill — sent back to Parliament by President Jacob Zuma — will now go to the National Council of Provinces
The tortuous process of finalising the Mineral Petroleum and Resources Development Amendment (MPRDA) Bill progressed on Tuesday with its contested passage through the National Assembly. The bill, which was adopted by Parliament about two-and-a-half years ago, was referred back to Parliament by President Jacob Zuma on constitutional grounds. It will now be referred to the National Council of Provinces. The president’s concerns related to possible contravention of SA’s international trade obligations insofar as export levies will be imposed on minerals designated as strategic by the minister in order to promote local beneficiation. Another concern was the elevation of the mining charter to the status of legislation. The National Assembly’s portfolio committee on mineral resources did not agree with Zuma’s reservations and addressed his procedural concerns only by holding consultations with traditional leaders. In introducing the bill, Mineral Resources Minister Mosebenzi Zwane said th...
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