Mineral Policy and Promotion Branch

The Mineral Policy and Promotion Branch is responsible for formulating and promoting mineral policies that will encourage investment in the mining and mineral industry, and will make South Africa attractive to investors.

Its functions are to:

• Develop new policies, review existing policies and amend legislation to achieve transformation.
• Promote mineral development and advise on trends in the mining industry to attract investment.
• Develop and implement new strategies that will enhance growth in the second economy.
• Ensure full participation of the mining and minerals industry of South Africa in shaping the destiny of the industry.

One of the directorates within this branch is Mineral Economics, which promotes mineral exploitation and beneficiation in South Africa. It collects, classifies and analyses mineral data in order to advise both the government and the private sector on local and international developments in the mineral industry. The directorate also disseminates mineral-related information through publications and by participating in local and international conferences.

Mineral Regulation Branch

This branch is responsible for regulating the mining and minerals industry to achieve transformation and contribute to sustainable development. Its functions 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.