Susan Shabangu

"Greater beneficiation in the mineral sector requires collaboration from all stakeholders in terms of, among other things, creating an enabling environment throughout the minerals and mining value chain."

"Beneficiation is crucial to ensure that the country maximises the benefits from its mineral resources, especially in terms of economic development and employment potential."

"In this regard appropriate skills development programmes should be put in place and integrated into the exploitation of the country’s mineral resources. Opportunities must also be made available for previously disadvantaged people, including women."

"The key concerns from the public mainly have to do with community issues and the adverse impact of environmental degradation, which were not addressed by the previous minerals act."

"The act promotes the concept of sustainable development in that it requires that social, economic and environmental factors are integrated in the planning of mines."

"The act promotes the concept of sustainable development in that it requires that social, economic and environmental factors are integrated in the planning of mines. Such an approach will require the development and implementation of appropriate social and labour plans as well as sustainable environmental management plans."