No.23922 GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, 10 OCTOBER 2002 ActNo.28,2002 MINERAL AND PETROLEUM RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT ACT, 2002 (English text signed by the President.) (Assented to 3 October 2002.) ACT To make provision for equitable access to and sustainable development of the nation's mineral and petroleum resources; and to provide for matters connected therewith. PREAMBLE RECOGNISIN G that minerals and petroleum are non -renewable natural resources ; ACKNOW LEDGING that South Africa's mineral and petroleum resources belong to the nation and that the State is the custodian thereof; AFFIRM ING the State's obligation to protect the environment for the benefit of present and future generations, to ensure ecologically sustainable development of mineral and petroleum resources and to promote economic and social development; RECOGNISIN G the need to promote local and rural development and the social upliftment of communities affected by mining; REAFFIRM ING the State's commitment to refor...