Portfolio Committee on Mining
Stakeholders have questioned whether the council for geosciences will have sufficient capacity to carry out its proposed function to review all geotechnical reports. The portfolio committee on mining has conducted public hearings on the Geosciences Amendment Bill in Parliament.
The mineral resources department briefed the committee on the bill in the last week of August. It outlined the core objectives of the bill.
The council for geosciences would be mandated to serve as the custodian of geotechnical information. All reports of a technical nature would have to be submitted to the council.
Notably, the council’s primary function would be to act as a national advisory authority in terms of geo-hazards linked to infrastructure development. It is also expected to review and evaluate all geotechnical reports in respect of geo-hazards that can adversely affect building and development.
The council would also undertake “exploration and prospecting research” in the mineral and petroleum sectors. It will be instructed to inform the mineral resources minister of any information pertaining to petroleum exploration and mineral prospecting that is likely to be of benefit to South Africa.
In particular, the bill wants to put a mechanism in place to deal with problems associated with building on dolomitic land. Such land is susceptible to sinkholes.
Government wants to ensure that land released for development is stable.
The council will also be expected to compile a geotechnical risk profile of South Africa. A map of the entire country is envisaged.
During the public hearings, the national union of mineworkers (NUM) recommended that the bill make provision for adequate funding for the council for geosciences. Sufficient funding was essential so that the council could operate in an optimal manner.
The union also called for “improved co-ordination between the council for geoscience, mine health and safety council, Mintek and state-owned mining company”.
Better co-ordination would have a number of positive outcomes such as mine safety, enhance government’s ability to look for minerals and ensure access to the latest technology.
NUM emphasised that safety in mines was of paramount importance. The South African mining industry continued to face challenges around health and safety.
The national home builders registration council (NHBRC) proposes that the bill refers to the council as a mandatory national advisory authority. This will mean that all developments that fall into the definition of a geo-hazard must be submitted for review and comments.
The body also calls for representation on the council’s board. This was seen as necessary in that the NHBRC served as a regulating authority in terms of residential development.
Sufficient capacity was required within the council to enable it to fulfil its proposed function of reviewing all geotechnical reports. Insufficient capacity would lead to bottlenecks and undesirable delays.
The NHBRC also recommended that the council focus on pre-feasibility studies in terms of strategic planning rather than getting involved in phase one and phase two investigations.
The South African Institute of Engineering Geologists (SAIEG) proposes that the council’s board should have representation from the geotechnical industry. This would help with its role in the management and control of geo-hazards.
The SAIEG expressed concern at the potential for breaches in confidentiality with regard to the national databank of geotechnical information.
They also questioned the council’s ability to carry out its proposed new function. Delays in the approval of developments could arise.
The SAIEG also drew attention to the likelihood of the council operating in competition with an established private sector industry.
“The result will be unfair competition by a state institution against the private sector using state subsidised resources”.
A conflict of interest will also ensue in that the council will operate as a provider of services in certain areas which it regulates.
Sabinet Cape Town Office
Post new comment