Agriculture sector at risk as South Africa’s Amendment Bill opens farmland to mining

Agriculture organisation TLU South Africa has warned that the sector is facing significant threats from the proposed Mineral Resources Development Amendment Bill. While the bill seeks to close regulatory gaps, simplify licensing, and ensure fair mining benefits, TLU SA’s Bennie van Zyl cautions that expanded small-scale and artisanal mining permits could open farmland to unchecked mining, jeopardising environments and livelihoods.

Beyond that, legal experts point out that the draft bill, released for public comment until August 13, goes further: it embeds stricter ministerial controls, mandates local beneficiation, imposes broader consultation duties, and formalises artisanal mining in more zones—tightening the state’s grip on resource governance.