Madame Speaker,

We, in the IFP, supported the original Minerals and Petroleum Resources Act which provides for equitable access to and sustainable development of the nations mineral and petroleum resources. This revolutionary piece of legislation changed the way mining operations were conducted in this country. The bill before us today will complement and enhance the principle Act and align it with the National Environmental Management Act, 1998 (NEMA).

In the past mining activities took place with little or no consideration for the environment and the surrounding communities. The problems that are being experienced today with regard to mine rehabilitation bear testament to this.

I therefore cannot stress enough the importance of aligning mining activities with environmental issues.

With this bill, the Minister of Minerals and Energy will be the responsible authority for implementing environmental matters in terms of NEMA and environmental legislation that relates to mining activities. The extra powers given to the Minister did create a lot controversy but I believe that this is in the best interest of mining activities and will save a lot of time and cut out a lot of red tape and streamline mining activities. I do, however, urge the Minister and other responsible authorities to use these new powers responsibly and not let the mining activities occur at the expense of the environment. Mining activities must be conducted responsibly and environmental issues must always be at the fore of our thinking.

The IFP supports this Bill.

I thank you.