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Economic Development Minister, Ebrahim Patel, says investments in manganese could create jobs, and offset planned retrenchments in the mining industry.
Metrominute reports that a significant number of miners who could be retrenched, are from the Eastern Cape.
Replying to a written question in the National Assembly, Patel said the challenges in the mining sector flowed from a number of factors, including weaker global demand for certain minerals
He said the Industrial Development Corporation was partnering new mining investment ventures, that could create jobs looking beyond the immediate challenges of lower commodity prices, adding that one of the areas being looked at, was investment in manganese.
The expansion of the manganese mining sector is linked to the Eastern Cape - as a dedicated manganese ore terminal is being constructed at the Port of Ngqura.
(Source: Metro Minute to subscribe mail metminutes@iafrica.com)
