The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development Mr Pfungwa Kunaka on Tuesday wrote to all Provincial Mining Directors (PMDs) to stop the transfer of registered mining titles without seeking written authorisation from the Head Office.
In a statement seen by Mining Zimbabwe, Kunaka said many of the transfers were being effected without the knowledge of PMDs and the Head Office leading to mining activities which are disproportionate to the locations concerned.
“It has come to the principal’s attention that so many transfers of mining titles are being affected and many of those could be taking place without the knowledge of PMDs and Head Office. This development has led to serious ownership of mining rights and has also, in several cases led to mining activities which are disproportionate to the locations concerned.
“Taking into account the above, I hereby advise you that with immediate effect, all PMDs and any of your staff are directed not to effect any transfer or exchange of ownership of mining title. Whereby such transfer is required by any title holder, PMDs are required to seek written authorisation from Head Office,” Kunaka said.
Whilst it is commendable that the Ministry is taking measures to stop rising disputes across the sector, the decision is likely to affect change of ownership time frame as it is likely to take more time creating backlogs in the process.
This is a developing story…
