The Mineral Regulation Branch was created when the Mineral Development Branch was restructured following the promulgation of the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act 2002, Act 28 of 2002.

The strategic plan behind this restructuring was based on the fact that the functions performed by the former Mineral Development Branch could broadly be divided into three main streams: regulatory; promotion; and policy formulation.

Furthermore, the White Paper on Minerals and Mining Policy for South Africa approved by Cabinet in 1998 provided for separate interdepartmental mechanisms to handle mineral resources management and promotion of the industry on the one hand, and mineral resources administration and regulation on the other.

While the Mineral Policy and Promotion Branch is at the departmental head office in Pretoria, the Mineral Regulation Branch works out of both the head office and the regional offices.

Three chief directorates

Three chief directorates have been created under the Mineral Regulation Branch, namely:

• Chief Directorate Mineral Regulation and Administration: Eastern Regions;
• Chief Directorate Mineral Regulation and Administration: Central Regions; and
• Chief Directorate Mineral Regulation and Administration: Western Regions.

Each chief directorate is responsible for overseeing the activities performed by the Directorate Licensing and Legal Compliance in the three regional offices or directorates.

Functions

The functions of the Mineral Regulation branch are to:

• Administer the Minerals and Petroleum Resources Development Act 2002, No 28 of 2002 [PDF], and other applicable legislation to ensure the granting of prospecting and mining rights in terms of the Act;
• Promote mineral development including urban renewal, rural development and black economic empowerment;
• Co-ordinate and liaise with national, provincial and local government structures for efficient governance; and
• Address past legacies with regard to derelict and ownerless mines and enforce legislation regarding mine rehabilitation by means of regulated environmental management plans.