- Led by Minister Gwede Mantashe, the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE) continues to interact with all energy and mining sector role players during the ongoing unrest engulfing some parts of the country.
- He was speaking to the Board members and executives of the Mining Council of South Africa (MCSA) and the South African Petroleum Industry Association (SAPIA) this week.
Emphasising the importance of the energy and mining sectors as the drivers of the country’s economy, Minister Mantashe encouraged the sectors to share their experiences of the current unrest, and their risk mitigation strategies and plans. The MCSA expressed confidence that inspite of the ongoing protest challenges they are able to fulfil their contractual obligations.
Led by SAPIA, the Petroleum sector noted that the disruptions in KwaZulu-Natal have led to the temporary closure of the SAPREF refinery in Durban, and that this will have a ripple effect across the national supply chain for petroleum products. SAPIA committed to closely monitor the status of the fuel supply chain and advise the department of mitigation steps taken on the impact to the nation. The DMRE assures the nation that while there are challenges with regards the movement of petroleum products to some parts of the country, there is sufficient product and government is working to secure the movement of all petroleum product. Thus, South Africans are discouraged from panic buying and hoarding, as this action will exacerbate the current challenges.
The DMRE encourages the mining and energy sectors to remain steadfast in working towards maintaining the safety and security of their operations and personnel. “The department will continue to engage with the executives as well as the various Labour unions of the sector,” concluded Mantashe
Author: Bryan Groenendaal
