DEPARTMENT: PUBLIC ENTERPRISES
REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA
NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
QUESTION FOR WRITTEN REPLY
QUESTION NO.: 200
DATE OF PUBLICATION: 04 May 2012
200. Mr H B Groenewald (DA-NW) to ask the Minister of Public Enterprises:
(1) Whether, with regard to Alexkor conducting due diligence studies on
further opportunities outside Alexander Bay, a feasibility study has been
conducted to ascertain sufficient diamond resources of the asset; if not,
why not; if so, what are the relevant details;
(2)(a) What is the (i) budget allocation and (ii) experience of the new
management team with regard to exploration and (b) what measures have been
put in place to avoid any potential pitfalls;
(3) Whether his department has engaged the community of Richtersveld
regarding their unhappiness as a result of the failure to honour previous
commitments in the form of a proposed social plan; if not, why not; if so,
what are the relevant details? CW264E
Reply:
(1) No thorough feasibility study has been done on new mining opportunities
beyond Alexander Bay. No funding allocation has been made for explorations.
However, venturing beyond Alexander Bay remains an option for Alexkor to
consider.
(2) (a)(i-ii)(b) No budget allocation has been made. The R350Â million
allocation made in the 2012/13 Medium Term Expenditure Framework does not
include funding for exploration of new opportunities beyond Alexander Bay.
(3) A social and labour plan has been submitted to the Department of
Mineral Resources (DMR) following consultation with the community between
2007 to 2009.Due to changed economic circumstances there are some areas
that need to be revisited with respect to the quantum of the envisaged
projects and/or the timing thereof. The process of engaging with the
community in this regard is ongoing.