Players tangled in the permits-to-mine web are the ex-politician, the president, the minerals department, companies and claimants to the throne.

Sekhukhune villagers mining ore dumps were fine until ‘investors’ arrived, followed by the police.

The Industrial Award is for outstanding projects and companies in the industrial sector.

Mining group Xstrata and joint venture partner Merafe Resources have suspended more ferrochrome production due to weak market conditions.