Parliament, Sunday, 5 October 2025 – The Portfolio Committee on Mineral and Petroleum Resources will, from tomorrow, 6 October 2025, embark on a week-long oversight visit to the Northern Cape. The visit will include engagements with Assmang Black Rock, South 32, Ekapa, and PP Gemstones Mining and Exporting Pty Ltd Mines, with a particular focus on artisanal and small-scale mining, illegal mining, and contestations around sugilite gemstones.
The Committee will also assess the implementation of social and labour plans by selected mining houses.
As part of the programme, members will meet with mine-affected communities in Vredesvallei, Riemvasmaak and Hotazel, as well as with traditional leaders, organised labour and multi-stakeholder forums. Discussions will centre on artisanal and small-scale mining, illegal mining, and related challenges.
The Chairperson of the Committee, Mr Mikateko Mahlaule, noted: “The precious and semi-precious stones, minerals and metals industry in the Northern Cape is confronted by several challenges, including, among others, illegal mining of diamonds and gemstones, inadequate regulation of artisanal mining, licensing and rights disputes related to mining rights over the same land, and overlapping mineral and stone rights creating legal uncertainty.”
Committee Programme:
- – Meeting with the regional office of the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources.
- – Visit to the Vredesvallei and Riemvasmaak communities, as well as a site of artisanal and small-scale mining.
- – Meeting with PP Gemstones Mining and Exporting Pty Ltd, Assmang Black Rock and South 32 mines.
- – Meeting with traditional leaders, mining forums and Hotazel community.
- – Visit to Ekapa mine.
Members of the media are invited to join the Committee.
ISSUED BY THE PARLIAMENTARY COMMUNICATION SERVICES.
For media inquiries or interviews with the Chairperson, please contact the committee’s Media Officer:
Name: Justice Molafo (Mr)
Cell: 081 424 7481
E-mail: jmolafo@parliament.gov.za
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