Code of Conduct for Members of the Junior Miners Forum of South Africa
1. Purpose and Scope
This Code of Conduct outlines the standards of professional behavior, legal compliance, and ethical performance required of all members of the Junior Miners Forum of South Africa (“the Forum”). This code applies to individual members, corporate representatives, contract miners, yellow plant operators, investors, and technical consultants in all Forum-related activities, communications, and commercial dealings
2. Core Principles of Conduct
2.1. Regulatory Compliance and Legal Integrity
Statutory Adherence: Members must strictly comply with all relevant South African laws, including the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act (MPRDA), National Environmental Management Act (NEMA), Mine Health and Safety Act (MHSA), and the Companies Act.
Permitting & Licensing: Members warrant that all Prospecting Rights, Mining Permits, Mining Rights, and environmental authorizations declared to the Forum or fellow members are legally granted, executed, and maintained in good standing.
POPIA Compliance: Members must respect personal data privacy and handle all shared contact details or registration data in compliance with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA).
2.2. Environmental Stewardship & Health and Safety
Environmental Responsibility: Members commit to sustainable extraction practices, active rehabilitation plans, and strict adherence to Environmental Management Programmes (EMPRs).
Zero Harm: Prioritize the health, safety, and well-being of mine workers, contractors, and local communities, ensuring high safety standards on all open-cast and underground operations.
2.3. Ethical Commercial & Professional Practice
Truth in Representation: Members must provide truthful, accurate, and non-misleading information regarding asset quality, geological data, Competent Person’s Reports (CPRs), equipment specifications, and financial capabilities.
Fair Commercial Dealings: Contract miners, yellow plant investors, offtakers, and asset owners agree to negotiate in good faith, respecting agreed commercial terms, joint venture structures, and equipment lease agreements.
Anti-Bribery and Corruption: Strict prohibition against any form of bribery, illegal artisanal facilitation, extortion, or corrupt practices in securing rights, permits, or commercial contracts.
2.4. Community Engagement and Social License
Respect for Local Communities: Members must engage respectfully with Traditional Councils, local authorities, and host communities in areas of operation.
Inclusive Transformation: Active commitment to local economic development, Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE), local employment, and skills transfer within host communities.
2.5. Confidentiality and Professional Integrity
Protection of Proprietary Data: Members must treat all non-public commercial proposals, Expressions of Interest (EOIs), technical documentation, and off-take terms shared through Forum channels as strictly confidential.
Non-Circumvention: Members shall not misuse confidential introductions, deal leads, or networking opportunities provided by the Forum to bypass partners or unfairly exploit proprietary business leads.
3. Forum Representation and Media Protocol
Authorized Voice: No member may speak on behalf of the Forum, issue press releases, or make public statements under the Forum’s identity without explicit written authorization from the Board or Executive Committee.
Brand Protection: Members must refrain from any action, public statement, or social media commentary that discredits, damages, or brings into disrepute the Forum, its logo, or its slogan, “The Voice of Junior Miners!”.
4. Breach of Conduct and Disciplinary Actions
Reporting: Allegations of non-compliance, fraudulent representations, environmental negligence, or unethical conduct may be submitted to the Forum’s Disciplinary Committee.
Sanctions: The Forum reserves the right to investigate breaches and apply measures up to:
Formal written warnings.
Suspension of membership privileges and portal access.
Termination of membership and removal from Forum project registries.
Referral to relevant statutory or regulatory bodies (e.g., DMRE, SAPS, or professional regulatory boards) where legal violations occur.
5. Member Declaration
By registering as a member, completing form submissions, or renewing membership with the Junior Miners Forum of South Africa, members confirm that they have read, understood, and agreed to be bound by this Code of Conduct.