JOHANNESBURG – South Africa’s agricultural industry is raising the alarm over a proposed mining bill, warning it could jeopardize food security and rural stability. The legislation, which seeks to formalize small-scale and “artisanal” mining, has been met with strong opposition from farmer organizations who argue it lacks adequate environmental and agricultural protections.

The Mineral Resources Development Amendment Bill (MRDAB) of 2025 is open for public comment until August 13. It’s an initiative by the Department of Mineral Resources to amend the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act of 2002, with the goal of expanding Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE). However, agricultural leaders contend the bill’s provisions could lead to widespread land degradation and increased rural crime.

TLU SA CEO, Bennie van Zyl, voiced concerns that the bill’s broad application of mining permits could result in mining activities on agricultural land without sufficient oversight, potentially turning productive farms into “lunar landscapes.” He highlighted that this could undermine food production and devalue farmland.

Key Concerns for the Agricultural Sector

The proposed bill introduces two new types of permits:

• Small-scale mining permits: These could be granted for up to five years.
• “Artisanal” mining permits: These permits would be valid for two years.

Farmers are concerned these permits could tie up large areas of agricultural land for prolonged periods, leading to permanent soil damage and the destruction of grazing areas. There are also fears that the bill could lead to a rise in informal settlements and an increase in rural crime, including farm attacks and stock theft.

The proposed legislation also faces criticism for its governance structure. The bill would establish a regional mining development and environmental committee that would exclude agricultural experts, a move that TLU SA says would favor mining interests over farming concerns. Additionally, critics object to the shortened environmental approval timelines and a “vague” definition of “meaningful consultation,” arguing they leave farmers and environmental experts with little say in the process.

The bill also proposes to centralize significant power in the hands of the Minister of Mineral Resources, granting extensive discretion over permit allocation and environmental enforcement. Critics argue this could threaten property rights and the long-term viability of the agricultural sector.

TLU SA is urging farmers to submit objections before the deadline, proposing several amendments, including:

• Requiring mandatory consultation with the Minister of Agriculture before granting mining permits on farmland.
• Limiting small-scale and artisanal mining to non-agricultural land.
• Strengthening the role of environmental and agricultural experts in the permit process.

Van Zyl emphasized the need for a “balanced and thorough approach” that recognizes the vital role of agriculture in South Africa’s economy and food security.