- Excerpt on remarks made by South Africa’s Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy Mr Gwede Mantashe at the minerals council of South Africa annual general meeting earlier today.
On the ‘Just Energy Transition’
“When participating in this debate, the industry must appreciate that the debate should cover the journey from high carbon emissions to low carbon emissions. It is not about pitting one energy source or technology against the other. Ours is about securing reliable energy supply.
The sector must inform content of the just energy transition. It must discuss its approach to coal, as there is a growing need to invest in clean coal technologies to ensure exploitation and an efficient use of this critical mineral that we have in abundance.
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The industry – especially the coal sector, should seek means to collaborate with the Council for Geoscience which is undertaking a research project on carbon capture storage in Mpumalanga. The results and outcomes of this project are critical to assisting the industry, and the country at large, of what needs to be done,” said Mantashe
On Transformation
“Transformation is not just about the numbers, but it is about the content. The industry must discuss the role of black and female executives. We must meaningfully commit to ensuring transformation as a means towards economic growth and development in our country. In doing so, the industry must discuss its relations with the communities it operates in. We must, collectively, develop a coherent approach for the sector.
Alongside transformation is the need for competitiveness and support for emerging companies that are looking for opportunities”, said Mantashe
Author: Bryan Groenendaal
Source: DMRE
