JOHANNESBURG, Aug 31 (Reuters) - South Africa aims topublish a long-delayed mining charter by November, the miningminister said on Friday, finalising a law that has been hotlydisputed between the industry and government.
The mining industry in Africa's most industrialised economyis facing a wave of job cuts due to low global commodity demand,high wage costs and a volatile labour environment.
Mining companies have warned that any change to the lawshould not hurt industry.
A period for the public to submit comments ends on Fridaybefore government consolidates the final law.
Mining minister Gwede Mantashe said in a statement thecontributions made during the public hearings had been useful.
"It is envisaged that the final Mining Charter will bepublished for implementation by November 2018, in order toentrench the necessary regulatory certainty," he said.
Policy certainty could add 122 billion rand ($8 billion) incapital expenditure to the mining sector over the next fouryears, an official representing companies said on Thursday. The last draft of the law contained regulations meant toredress imbalances of the nation's past apartheid rule andstipulates rules for miners. The new rules could meansignificantly higher taxes and levies on mining companies.
(Reporting by Joe BrockEditing by James Macharia)
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