Section 117, The Mines and Minerals Act, 2009

(1) Except where the coordination would result in criminalor civil liability under any applicable laws, if the Minister considers that the public interest or the interests of the holders of large-scale and/or small-scale mining licences covering neighbouring or contiguous mining areas would best be served with regard to the efficient and economic exploitation of minerals by the co-ordination of all or part of the mining operations of such holders, he may direct such orders to effect such coordination by such holders entering into an agreement for his approval to effect the co-ordination within such time as he may specify. Wasteful mining and treatment practices. Co-ordination of mining No. 12 Mines and Minerals Act 2009No. 12 Mines and Minerals Act 200994 95 (2) Before giving any directions under subsection (1), the Minister shall afford the holders of the mining licences concerned reasonable opportunity to make representations to him in writing. (3) No direction shall be given under subsection (1) the effect of which shall be to cause financial gain by one party at the expense of another.