Chair, the ACDP is interested to see, hon Minister, that you are considering the idea of auctioning our mining reserves, rather than giving them away on a first-come, first-served basis. We see Liberia has done this, and now Mozambique is embracing the concept.
In India, however, their supreme court's decision to distribute scarce natural resources by public auction only is said to be contrary to their Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act. This Act prescribes that mining rights should be granted on a priority basis.
Before committing ourselves to another debacle like the far from transparent road-tolling exercise, the ACDP hopes that you will be cautious and thorough in laying the groundwork in order to avoid legal hindrances, constitutional challenges and wasted expense in general.
The ACDP, whilst aware of the huge contribution made by mining to the economy, is also aware of the special treatment that has been reserved for mining on land not zoned for it. We do not condone breaking the law with impunity ... [Interjections.]