This past weekend, the government and the mining industry got together in preliminary talks about talks on a new Mining Charter. Rather predictably, it ended badly. But it’s important to remember that this meeting was the first step in what is bound to be a long and toughly fought issue. There is an enormous amount at stake and the experience of the first two versions of the charter has not been happy. After an uplifting first meeting between Mineral Resources Minister Gwede Mantashe and representatives of the Chamber of Mines, the meeting at the weekend was a blast of cold air. Reality has returned and, with it, the tactics of negotiations have made an unwelcome arrival in the discussions. In true negotiating style, Mantashe indicated that the ridiculous and, on the face of it, unconstitutional Mining Charter 3 would be the basis of the negotiation of the new charter. The industry was understandably furious and, according to insiders, came close to walking out. It was ultimately ag...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.