During the period under review, the Department, under this branch had set itself to embark on a plan to review the work processes in respect of applications for rights, in terms of the Act, in order to improve on the turnaround time on such applications. An economic impact assessment tool was also to be developed which was to be utilised to assess and measure the economic benefits of exploration and mining in South Africa. Efforts were to be undertaken to improve cooperative governance so as to share information with relevant stakeholders as well as interested and affected parties to ensure a holistic approach to regulating the minerals sector.