# Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources, Gwede Mantashe, has backtracked on a key clause in the Draft Mining Bill and removed requirements for black economic empowerment for exploration activities. This follows backlash from the mining industry, warning that such rules would scare off investment in the high-risk exploration sector. According to News24, Mantashe has also clarified that listed mining companies will not require ministerial approval for changes in control. The Minerals Council South Africa says several other provisions in the bill still threaten job creation and economic growth.
Mantashe amends Draft Mining Bill to scrap BEE requirements for exploration activities