The Department of Mineral Resources (DMR) has a further two weeks to run tests, before the final implementation of the new electronic mining rights application system.
Minister Susan Shabangu has given the department the extra time to test the online system to ensure all glitches are removed.
“After having been presented with the latest picture in so far as the new system is concerned, I have accordingly instructed my officials to go back and re-run final tests with regard to the new system for a further 14 days. This is being done in a bid to ensure there is smooth implementation of the new system, once the moratorium is lifted,” says Shabangu.
Audit time
The department had placed a moratorium on new mining applications in September, to allow the new system to be put in place and enable the department to conduct a full audit of all mining and prospecting licences granted since 2004.
At the time the moratorium was imposed, there was a backlog of 26 000 applications, according to the Government Communication and Information System.
The moratorium expires at the end of the month, except for Mpumalanga, for which an extension will be announced in the Government Gazette later this week.
In terms of the new system, the public will submit applications electronically through the department's Web site. These applications will be automatically routed to the relevant region.
Tackling corruption
The DMR introduced the online system to address corruption that plagued the application process.
The system, which cost R3.4 million, was a response to administrative and legislative problems, which previously resulted in some officials engaging in corruption.
The department has been struggling with mining rights applications where - due to system failure and/or corruption - rights for one piece of land were being granted to two different parties.
“The system that we are launching allows for online lodging of applications, progress reports and viewing progress online. Compliant applicants should be able to receive acceptance letters instantly,” explains Shabangu.
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