Hello Joe
Just a thought, but its possible that aside from SUF having followed the letter of the law in the eyes of the government and Minister of Mines, the RSA is making a statement that it wants its resources developed and its citizens employed doing it. Not too terribly different from Newfoundland or the NWT.
DeBeers and apparently these heirs would seem to represent a system of entrenched and inherited control over mineral rights. A system that would appear to be an anathema to the RSA and is to the Government of Canada as well considering the changes currently being considered to the Mining Act, etc. here in Canada.
The word would appear to be out. If you have mineral rights, you had better develop the ore body or risk losing it. The minerals belong to the people and the government's first and foremost priority it would seem is to see its population put to work and its economy prosper.
DeBeers has a reputation it would seem for withholding properties from development to insure a steady price for diamonds. This policy helps DeBeers, and any mineral rights holders, from whom it buys an ore body, but that policy does not employ workers, pay them good wages or grow the economy.
This is the cusp of the 21st century and landbarrons, robberbarrons and feudal systems are being retired, forceably where necessary, and by law where possible.
The RSA wants investment and full employment and it would seem that Canadian companies have demonstrated goals consistent with their policies.
Regards |
