South African legislators said they plan to adopt changes to mining and oil laws before Parliament adjourns ahead of May 7 elections, overriding industry concern that the measures are ill-considered and will deter investment. Proposed changes to the 2002 Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act include giving the state the right to a free 20 percent stake in all new energy ventures as well as compelling some producers to sell part of their output to local processors. Companies including Anglo American Plc and BHP Billiton Ltd. have said the measures will hurt business and may violate the constitution and international trade obligations.
