Parliament, Thursday, 29 January 2026 – The Portfolio Committee on Mineral and Petroleum Resources has welcomed progress in resolving the dispute between Richards Bay Minerals (RBM) and Amakhosi in the Richards Bay area over the governance of a community mining trust. The committee, which is conducting oversight in the province, underscored the importance of dialogue in resolving disputes and reiterated that legal processes should be used only as a last resort.
The Chairperson of the committee, Mr Mikateko Mahlaule, said it is important that the broader dispute is resolved, as this will create a platform for engagement on other salient issues. “Agreement on the functioning of the community mining trust is important to unlock the benefits expected by the community and to enable meaningful socio-economic development for all community members,” he said.
The committee also welcomed the establishment of a platform for engagement between RBM and local businesses. This is aimed at ensuring that local businesses benefit from mining activities in the area. However, the committee cautioned business forums against engaging in confrontation or criminal activities that disrupt mining operations and community development programmes. The committee encouraged RBM and the local business community to implement the resolution they agreed to on hosting an information session. This session can empower local businesses with information on how to access and compete for mining procurement opportunities.
Committee members noted with concern RBM’s failure to complete the infrastructure projects it committed to under its Social and Labour Plans (SLPs). Some projects have started, but the committee stressed the need to complete these projects urgently to comply with the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act. “The committee believes the implementation of SLPs is non-negotiable,” said the Chairperson. “Failure to meet agreed commitments places mining rights at risk. RBM must act with urgency to complete outstanding SLP projects, particularly as it prepares to submit new projects. The backlog must be eradicated without delay.”
As part of the oversight visit, the committee will visit the Richards Bay port, where the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources and Transnet will brief members. The briefing will also focus on the Quattro Scheme, which is designed to promote transformation in the coal mining industry. The scheme provides emerging and junior BEE coal producers with access to the export market through the Richards Bay Coal Terminal (RBCT). The Quattro Scheme uses an administrator to manage stockpiles and coordinate rail logistics between Transnet Freight Rail, RBCT and Quattro members.
The full oversight programme can be downloaded here: https://tinyurl.com/pf7bxryd
ISSUED BY THE PARLIAMENTARY COMMUNICATION SERVICES ON BEHALF OF THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON MINERALS AND PETROLEUM RESOURCES, MR MIKATEKO MAHLAULE.
For media enquiries or interviews with the Chairperson, please contact the committee’s media officer:
Name: Malatswa Molepo (Mr)
Parliamentary Communication Services
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E-mail: mmolepo@parliament.gov.za
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