We never argue that this industry is not without challenges. I would like to cite a few, Minister. Acid-mine drainage needs to be given the priority it requires, within the budget constraints, before it reaches critical stages. We have seen the painful efforts employed by the department to rehabilitate ownerless and derelict mines. The department needs to be applauded for such action. We have seen the department's efforts in dealing with illegal mining.
One hon member was talking - and I like him because he talks off the cuff - in Roodepoort - he did not mention that - about how the department demolished and destroyed illegal mining infrastructure, and it went further by sealing off shafts in the same area. That is a good move by all those that were involved, mining houses included. These people do not see that. [Interjections.] What I have mentioned above, plus the arrest of illegal mining kingpins in the West Rand, are pointers in the right direction. We are dealing with illegal mining. They do not know that, and I will tell you why they do not know it. [Interjections.] I will tell you.
Mining health and safety has improved dramatically. Members will recall that, in the past, health on the mines was determined by the physical ability of a worker to produce what is profit to the bosses. It has gone beyond that. Now, one can walk in the mines. One does not crawl. One can drive vehicles in the mine, thanks to the health and safety council. [Interjections.]
You must understand that we are dealing with an industry that suffers a hangover from the system of apartheid. Many employers in this industry, including the industry itself, in the main, paid lip service to the opposition to apartheid, like our colleagues on the left. Nobody wants to associate him or herself with apartheid. All of them have become freedom fighters now. [Laughter.] What a laughable stance! [Interjections.] What a laughable stance!
Policy stances held in this House on the ownership of mineral rights differ in understanding. Let me first deal with - you will hear why that hon member said what he said from this podium - proponents of private ownership. They maintain that private ownership is consistent with the market economy and with an international trend towards reducing the direct role of government in the mining industry. [Interjections.] They go on to say that private ownership encourages trade in the utilisation of mineral rights. What a fallacy! [Interjections.]
Listen to what the critics of private ownership of mineral rights are saying on this side of the House. Minerals are part of the nation's endowment and the state is the rightful custodian of that endowment. [Interjections.] Say no! They go on to say that private ownership of mineral rights suppresses exploration activity and the opportunity for alternative views of the economics of mining and the unexploited ore body. [Interjections.] I am coming to you. [Laughter.] I am coming to you. [Interjections.] We go on further to say that private ownership of mineral rights limits equal and equitable access to mineral rights and resources. What a truthful statement! [Interjections.] Before I conclude, let me deal with some of the ...