Mining Charter: application to consolidate actions heard, judgment reserved

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The Chamber opposed the consolidation of the action by law firm Malan Scholes on the grounds that it does not seek determination of substantially the same questions of law or fact.

Different arguments

While the Scholes application argues that the Mining Charter is unconstitutional and invalid, the Chamber’s application does not make that argument.

“The industry has been, and continues to be, committed to the achievement of all the transformation objectives of the Mining Charter, but does however seek clarity on the interpretation of one critical issue related to the continuing consequences of empowerment transactions,” the Chamber says.

Judgement reserved

Judge Rabie has reserved judgment in respect of the consolidation application and a decision on the allocation of costs will be made when the judgment is given.

The Chamber’s original application on behalf of its members for a declaratory order providing guidance on the principles applicable to the interpretation of the ownership aspect of the Mining Charter has been postponed.

Mining Charter background

The Chamber of Mines and its members are seeking clarity on the assessment of the ownership element, particularly in respect of the continuous consequences of previous black economic empowerment (BEE) deals.

The intention to jointly pursue this declaratory order was initially announced by the then Minister of Mineral Resources, Ngoako Ramatlhodi, in March 2015.

It subsequently became clear that the legal mechanism available to the parties required a clear applicant and respondent, with an identifiable and clear point of dispute. The Chamber has since continued with the process while keeping the DMR fully apprised of its approach.

Significant progress made

Chamber of Mines CEO, Roger Baxter notes that: “The industry has made significant progress in respect of all charter pillars, including meeting and exceeding the ownership target in aggregate.”

“We believe we have met the spirit and intent of the Charter’s ownership provisions and it is our view that the DMR acknowledged this by issuing mining rights to mining companies based on their transformation achievements and plans.”

“By our calculation, Chamber members have achieved empowerment levels of 38% on average (compared to the 26% target set out by the Mining Charter). The value of empowerment transactions since 2000 amounts to R205 billion in 2014 money terms, resulting in meaningful economic value transfer of R159 billion.”

The Chamber believes that the “continuing consequences” clause of the original charter envisaged a situation that empowerment credits would be considered sustained.

Permanent lock-in not sustainable

The 2004 Charter made it government’s responsibility to encourage longevity by BEE shareholders, using special incentives to encourage these companies to hold on to newly acquired equity for a reasonable period.

The Chamber of Mines believes that it would not have served the interests of empowerment to impose a permanent lock-in or similar restriction on entrepreneurs and other beneficiaries.

“Achieving certainty on the critical element of ownership is in the best interests of government, the companies and their shareholders and all other stakeholders,” Baxter concludes.