At a time when the general sentiment towards the Department of Mineral Resources and minister Mosebenzi Zwane is negative and hostile, Pan African Resources CEO Cobus Loots speaks of a more constructive relationship and accused some companies of hiding behind criticism of the department to cover their inefficiency. Loots spoke of the welcoming and helpful attitude of officials from the department and their counterparts at water affairs in approving permits needed for the R1.74bn Elikhulu tailings retreatment project at Pan African’s Evander mine that will add 56,000oz of gold a year to the group. "Co-operation from all stakeholders on Elikhulu has been excellent," Loots said. "The Department of Mineral Resources and Department of Water Affairs and Sanitation have been incredibly professional and extremely efficient in interrogating and progressing the requisite applications and permits," he said. His comments echo those of Northam officials at the new Booysendal mine, who spoke of a...

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