Mineral resources minister Gwede Mantashe said on Tuesday that his department would this year prioritise legislative amendments and the following of proper processes in issuing mining rights and mining licences to rebuild trust and confidence in the sector.

"Rebuilding the levels of trust and confidence in the sector is paramount to return us to the business of mining. We are investing time and effort to rebuild relationships and trust with our primary clients: business, labour and communities. Frank and open discussions with our stakeholders will enable us to serve them better," Mantashe said.

"An urgent message is that we must work hard to instill and maintain stability in the industry. We must ensure policy and regulatory certainty. The relative stability seen in the sector in recent times, bodes well for the sustainability of mining and creation of a conducive environment for investment."

Mantashe was tabling the Department of Mineral Resource's Budget Vote in Parliament on Tuesday. The department is allocated R1.9-billion for the 2018/19 financial year.