It’s absurd for the mineral resources department to oversee environmental compliance, reflected in the drastic budget cut for investigating offences.
The fickle nature of commodities is shown starkly in the Northern Cape town of Kathu, whose fortunes rise and fall with the iron ore price.
The department of mineral resources faces increasing opposition from other state ministries, particularly environment, water and tourism.
Uranium mining is returning to the area, threatening water resources in a dry region and raising concerns about the spread of radiation particles.
Only one sure way to restore peace and security to Xolobeni: the government must set its face against mining – and soon.
The department of mineral resources has been left with a R30-billion rehabilitation bill to clean up the damage left by failed mining firms.
The dealings of the self-proclaimed "world’s leading supplier of responsibly sourced coloured gemstones" look decidedly less rosy on the ground.
Efforts to rescue the trapped miners are at a standstill and their relatives feel that more than physical means are necessary to get them out.
The mission to rescue three trapped miners can only continue once geological experts have given the go-ahead.
A tale of three Asian countries and their quest to gain a stake in the natural riches of the continent.
Past experience has shown that the government will continue to permit industry such as mining that destroys water supplies.
Manager Gary Thompson of the ”Little Australia” dune mine must go, say staff at the Tormin mineral sands mine near Vredendal on the West Coast.
The South American example may show the way on mining freedom within our own economy, writes Adrian Saville.
A due diligence report for their own company reveals illegal activity as recently as last year.
The rout in commodity markets comes on top of major policy and global uncertainties.
Half a century of mining has polluted the water farmers living west of Welkom in the Free State rely on for their cattle and to irrigate their crops.
The Wild Coast community of Xolobeni is vehemently opposed to the proposed open-cast mining of titanium on their traditional land.
Limpopo farmers are feeling powerless as the minerals department greedily consumes agricultural land and with it, the water supply.
Mining companies must move beyond rhetoric and look after the health and safety of workers and residents, writes Khanya Mncwabe.
The minister told delegates at the 2015 Mining Indaba that anyone who felt aggrieved with the process could approach the department.
The return of the controversial Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Amendment Bill for review could bode a legislative procedural nightmare.
The Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Amendment Bill was sent back for reconsideration because it did not pass constitutional muster.
Indigenisation Minister Christopher Mushohwe may not uphold the previous minister’s empowerment credits deal with Impala Platinum’s Zimbabwe unit.
Dominionville residents expected a boom town when Shiva Uranium foretold promises of riches, but white poverty and black despair remain years later.
ANC member Bridgette Radebe has joined calls by the EFF for government to curb the controversial practice of transfer pricing in the mining industry.
With nowhere else to live, many seek refuge in the radiation wastelands in Gauteng, unaware of the deadly dangers the abandoned mining areas present.
An orderly restructuring of the platinum industry is essential after the longest strike in our history, writes Gilad Isaacs.
Striking miners are getting state help – but only if they are early, and South African.
Platinum belt miners are angry and glaring wage inequality is at the root of their dissatisfaction.
Rio Tinto’s Namibian miners are said to be dying of cancers after extracting uranium ore for the British and US military in the 1970s.
By narrowing oversight to mineral resources, the foxes will now guard the henhouse.
Mines Minister Walter Chidhakwa says he is holding "interesting discussions" with Impala Platinum about building a base-metal refinery in Zimbabwe.