Issued by: Department of Minerals and Energy
RELEASE OF THE REPORT OF THE TASK TEAM APPOINTED BY THE MINISTER OF MINERALS AND ENERGY TO ANALYSE THE MEMORANDA AN EVIDENCE LAID BEFORE THE COMMISSION OF INQUIRY INTO THE SOUTH AFRICAN DIAMOND INDUSTRY
The Task Team appointed earlier this year by the Minister of Minerals and Energy to analyse the memoranda and evidence laid before the Commission of Inquiry into the South African Diamond Industry has completed its report.
In previous statements the Minister of Minerals and Energy has indicated that there is a strong urgency to review the Diamonds Act of 1986 in its entirety. Deficiencies in the existing diamond dispensation have been identified, which are presently being reviewed and addressed by the Department of Minerals and Energy.
The mandate of the Task Team was to summarise and analyse the 80 written and verbal submissions received by the Commission. Subjects covered were, inter alia, Government regulation of and involvement/intervention in the industry, i.e. the provisions of the Diamonds Act, the role of the South African Diamond Board, illegal diamond buying provisions, and numerous issues regarding the possession, trade in, the processing and the export of diamonds.
Summaries of the various issues raised and recommendations made to the Commission are embodied in the report. Copies are now available from the library, Department of Minerals and Energy, Mineralia Center, corner of Andries and Visagie Streets, Pretoria, telephone number (012) 317-9290.
The report will also be available on the Department's web site at
the following address: http://www.dme.gov.za
ENQUIRIES: Mr T Ramontja
Acting Deputy Director-General: Mineral Development
Tel: (012) 317 9028
Cell: 083 443 7416
Fax: (012) 320 1982
OR
Mr BJ Klaver
Tel: (012) 317 9270
Fax: (012) 320 4268