South Africa’s Mining Permit System Faces Severe Delays as Digital Cadastre Stalls
South Africa’s Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources (DMPR) continues struggling with chronic delays in its mining permit system. The department’s digital cadastre rollout has progressed at what critics describe as “geological pace.”
Minister Gwede Mantashe’s mining cadastre system was designed to modernize permit applications and improve transparency. However, the digital platform faces persistent setbacks that extend processing times beyond projected deadlines.
Industry observers point to systemic governance failures within the DMPR. “Everything at the DMPR seems to take ‘longer than anticipated’, which speaks volumes to its many governance failures,” according to recent business analysis.
The delays reportedly stem from entrenched interests within the department. These groups allegedly resist transparency measures that would expose the applications and permitting process to public scrutiny.
The sluggish implementation affects mining companies seeking exploration and production permits. Extended waiting periods create uncertainty for investors and delay potential mining projects across the country.
The cadastre system aims to digitize South Africa’s mineral rights registry. This modernization should streamline permit applications and reduce corruption risks in the mining sector.
Current delays highlight broader challenges facing South Africa’s mining industry. The sector contributes significantly to the country’s economy but struggles with regulatory inefficiencies.
The DMPR has not provided updated timelines for the cadastre system’s full implementation. Mining stakeholders continue waiting for meaningful progress on permit processing improvements.
