The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC) of South Africa proposed to impose a ban on exports of scrap and waste metal for a period of six months, including copper cable, and to implement a permit system for exports of specified semi-processed metal products.

The proposal was to address the current theft problem of metal and the associated impairment and destruction of infrastructure. The theft of cable theft not only affects South Africa’s economy but also worsens the dilemma of the country’s state and municipal power companies.

Besides, the proposal was expected to promote the recovery of scrap in the local market and further stabilize prices.