1 June 2001

Controversial reforms in mining law in South Africa will be on the agenda at the coming week's (4 - 8 June) international mining seminar run by the University of Dundee's Centre for Energy Petroleum and Mineral Law and Policy (CEPMLP).

"The critical point which South Africa has now reached epitomises the tensions across the international mining industry. South Africa's laws were made at a time when most of the country's population was effectively excluded from rights and the decision making process. Equally mineral development involves massive investment in what are often high risk ventures that may not pay off for some years. To strike a balance between making reforms and maintaining a high level of investment in a key industry is a serious challenge which will take courage, determination and sensitivity to take forward," Professor Thomas Walde, former principal UN adviser on mining law and now director of CEPMLP, will tell the 50 international delegates from the governments of developing countries and mining companies.

The centre recently completed its report to the South African government, reviewing the country's mining laws and advising them on reform. Since then mining law experts from CEPMLP have participated in an international commission to mould future mining law in South Africa.

The five-day seminar, will address a range of global issues in corporate mining and government policy. /ends

Contact Professor Thomas Walde 01382 344298