Maravi

Govt to restrict small-scale mining rights

Govt to restrict small-scale mining rights
By Kabanda Chulu
Wednesday March 19, 2008 [03:00]

MINES deputy minister Maxwell Mwale has said the government will this year restrict all small-scale mining rights to Zambian citizens and citizen-owned companies. During the Civil Society Trade Network Zambia, trade and development consultation meeting, Mwale said the mines and minerals development bill of 2008 was intended to address post-privatisation challenges and national aspirations that included the need for Zambians to participate more in the ownership of the mines.

He said the government was proposing to repeal and replace the 1995 mines and minerals Act because it was meant to promote privatisation of the Zambia Consolidated Copper Mines, which was done and now was the time to address the challenges of post-privatisation aspirations.

“However, Zambians will remain free to enter into mine development partnerships with foreign investors, but only up to 49 per cent equity participation by non-Zambians,” said Mwale.

Under the existing mines and minerals Act, Cap 213, an artisan’s mining right is the only one reserved for Zambian citizens but government was proposing to add to this, other small-scale mining rights.

Mwale further said that the new bill would cater for the removal of the provision for the minister to enter into development agreements.

The bill would also provide that existing development agreements should cease to be binding on the Republic of Zambia.

Labels: ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT, MAXWELL MWALE, MINES AND MINERALS ACT, MINING

posted by MrK @ 4:21 PM