Mines debate splits black investors
2010-02-07 13:00
THE debate over the nationalisation of mines is dividing black
entrepreneurs in the mining sector.
Many of the black investors we spoke to opted not to comment or
spoke to us on condition of anonymity for fear of a backlash against their
businesses and lack of clarity about the proposal.
The owner of a junior coal mining concern said nationalisation
would be good if it benefited the country economically in the long term.
“When this debate started black miners who had benefited from BEE
deals were targeted,” he said. “I don’t think the debate about nationalisation
should be raised just to target a few individuals.
“There is a need for wider consultations with big and small mining
houses before a decision can be taken.
“Junior miners need to have a say on this matter and we have to
know what nationalisation would mean to us before we could give our
inputs.”
Those who spoke were careful not to take sides.
- City Press