By Tendai Matunhu
The Deputy Minister of Mines and Mining Development, Honourable Polite Kambamura has revealed that Government has put in place a cocktail of policies and strategies that are aimed at ensuring that the mining sector meaningfully contributes to the attainment of vision 2030.
Speaking on behalf of the Minister of Mines and Mining Development, Winston Chitando at the Mine Entra Conference, Deputy Minister Kambamura said his Ministry was working towards the finalisation of Mines and Minerals Amendments Bill in line with guidance given by President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
He said the bill would be re-submitted to Parliament for consideration.
“Consultations are on-going with the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on mines and mining development in preparation for re-submission of the bill to Parliament for their consideration. The bill seeks to provide an improved and competitive mining legislative framework, which offers a conducive investment environment for local and foreign investors, while at the same time curtailing prejudice to the national fiscus,” he said.
He added, “The bill is aimed at opening up the mining sector to investment and attainment of sustainable development of the sector and the national economy in general. It is our hope that the amendment will be finalised soon given the high level commitment to this process by Parliament and President Mnangagwa.”
The Deputy Minister said his ministry had started working towards amendments to the Gold Trade Act and the Precious Stone Trade Act. He said the objective of the amendment was to facilitate sustainable development of the gold and precious stones sub-sectors respectively.
He highlighted that his Ministry was in process of crafting various mineral specific policies which include Diamond Policy (which has already been approved by cabinet), Chromium Development Policy, Gold Development Policy and Coal Development Policy.
The conference was attended by more than 200 delegates from various business sectors which include mining, engineering and transport.
