The President of the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) has called for the creation of a state-owned mining company in South Africa.

Speaking to delegates at the 2008 Mining Summit in Johannesburg, Senzeni Zokwana explained that such a course of action would "create a new culture of a mining company that cares - not only for shareholders, but for those who work for it".

The idea was mooted earlier in the year by Gwede Mantashe, the Secretary-General of the ruling African National Congress, who explained that plans should move ahead when the new government comes to power.

Mr Zokwana emphasised that the current set-up leaves the South African mining industry "very far" from meeting the challenges proposed by the Mining Charter, which will be reviewed next year.

He said: "The establishing of this state-owned mining company is very urgent. I can't say nationalise others, no - there are greenfield projects where there is still an abundance of platinum - and then you can say to Anglo, or whoever, come and join us."

In a wide-ranging address, Mr Zokwana also highlighted other development areas such as safety and black economic empowerment, while claiming that the Department of Minerals and Energy can no longer act as a referee in relation to licensing.



Source:

SA union reiterates call for State-owned mining company (09/09/08)
http://www.miningweekly.com/article.php?a_id=142735