Mantashe to engage on Xolobeni matter

Mining Minister, Gwede Mantashe

“We will continue to engage all people in Xolobeni and hear their views and together find the solutions that will sustainably benefit all citizens,” said Mantashe ahead of his visit on Saturday.

Earlier this month, the Minister said the issue of the Xolobeni mining development needs to be resolved sooner rather than later.

Xolobeni mining issue should be resolved to attract investment

1 Nov 2018

“No decision was taken or executed. It is my commitment… that the issue must be concluded sooner… rather than leaving it hanging from 2002 to 2018 for 16 years. It is a bad way of dealing with investors,” Mantashe said at the time.

His remarks came amid a debate that was sparked when an Australian mining company was granted a licence to mine in the area and that the matter has been hanging from 2002.

The Department of Mineral Resources said the engagement forms part of the Minister's on-going frank and open discussions with all stakeholders in an effort to find a sustainable solution to the challenges related to potential mining in Xolobeni.

The meeting, which is closed to media is set to take place at the Wild Coast Sun, Mbizana.