There should be a new regulatory regime for juniors – one that adheres to the spirit of Mining Charter 3, but which introduces reasonable and achievable transformation and procurement targets relative to the size and financial constraints of junior and emerging miners, says Eversheds Sutherland mining head Warren Beech. This proposition is echoed by South African Diamond Producers Organisation chairperson (SADPO) Gert van Niekerk, who states small or Junior alluvial diamond mining industry has experienced steady decline since 2004 when the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act (MPRDA) was implemented, and that further harm will occur as a consequence of Charter 3 and most of all the implementation guidelines.
