Zimbabwe's Mines and Minerals Amendment Bill Faces Stakeholder Criticism
The Mines and Minerals Amendment Bill aims to reform licensing processes in Zimbabwe's mining sector, but stakeholders express concern over proposed clauses. The bill, which has been in development for over 15 years, seeks to address issues in the 1961 Mines and Minerals Act, yet it risks excluding key community stakeholders.
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The Zimbabwean government is advancing the Mines and Minerals Amendment Bill, intended to modify the existing Mines and Minerals Act from 1961. The amendments, which have faced criticism for requiring miners to obtain licenses through a board, aim to clarify existing grey areas in the law.
Key stakeholders, including the Zimbabwe Prospectors Union, have voiced concerns over the lack of community consultation and the potential for ambiguity regarding strategic minerals. Despite these criticisms, Ministry officials assert that consultations occurred during the drafting process.
The bill, which has been pending for over 15 years, will proceed to parliament before being enacted. There is also ongoing investment interest in the lithium sector, suggesting a future shift in the mining landscape.
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