Department visits Total Exploration & Production SA's Stavenger Rig operations

The Minister’s visit comes just days ahead of the official opening of the Mining Indaba, where the Minister will engage with the investment community on one of the country’s key economic sectors.

The Minister of Mineral Resources, Mr Gwede Mantashe today, 02 February 2019, led a delegation from the Department on a visit to the Total Exploration & Production Southern Africa's Deep Sea Stavenger Rig operations, situated 180 Km offshore of Mossel Bay, Western Cape.

The Minister’s visit comes just days ahead of the official opening of the Mining Indaba, where the Minister will engage with the investment community on one of the country’s key economic sectors.

Speaking on the rig, Minister Mantashe said this was one of the most important exploration projects underway in the country and is expected to boost investor confidence and contribute positively to the oceans economy.

"If we can discover oil and gas here, that will be a game changer for the country in terms of the economy. We hope that we will discover oil so that we can reduce our dependence on imported crude oil,” the Minister said.

"We will work with other government departments in giving the project all the support we can because we believe that it will help support a turnaround in our economy.”

The Minister's delegation included the Director-General, Adv Thabo Mokoena, the Deputy Director General responsible for Policy and Promotion, Ms Ntokozo Ngcwabe and Acting CEO at Petroleum Agency South Africa, Ms Lindiwe Mekwe

(With Inputs from South African Department of Mineral Resources Release)