Issued by: The Department of Mineral and Energy Affairs
30 November 1995
Media release by The Department of Mineral and Energy Affairs
Dr. P.J. Hugo, Director-General of the Department of Mineral and Energy Affairs, retires on 30 November 1995 after 39 years in the Department.
He obtained an MSc degree in Geology in 1961 and a DSc degree in Geology in 1965 at the University of the Orange Free State. About 13 years later he also obtained a BCom degree at the University of South Africa.
He began his career in 1956 as a Geologist in the Department of Mines. Since 1974 he was the Head of the Regional and Economic Geology Sections of the Geological Survey in South Africa and also for a period of three years Head of the Geological Survey in South West Africa. On 1 April 1981 he was promoted to Chief Director of the minerals Bureau in Johannesburg. After six years as Chief Director he was appointed as Deputy Director-General of the Department of Mineral and Energy Affairs and on 1 December 1990 he was promoted to Director-General. Under the Government of National Unity he was re-appointed as Director-General on 1 November 1994.
Dr. Hugo is a member of the Geological Society of South Africa and serves on various boards. He is the author and co-author of 28 publications on economic geology and mineral economics. He also was the author of the previous White Paper on the Mineral Policy of the Republic of South Africa. During the past two and a half years he has been involved in matters such as liquid fuels, the current mineral policy process, energy and the Leon Commission of Inquiry into Safety and Health in the Mining Industry.
Dr. Gert Venter, Deputy Director-General, will act as Director- General until such time as the post is filled.
Enquiries: Dr. Jan Bredell Tel: (012) 317-9121 Fax: (012) 322-0810