President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa has called on the Minister of Mines and Mining Development Hon Winston Chitando to speed up the amendment of the Mines and Minerals Act for the achievement of the US$12 Billion mining sector.
Rudairo Mapuranga
Speaking at the inaugural 2021 Mining Industry Sector Awards at State House last night the President said the snail’s pace at which the amendment of the Mines and Minerals Act has been moving is against the work ethics of the Second Republic.
“The amendment of the Mining and Minerals Act has rather taken too long Hon Minister (Winston Chitando). And this is against the expectation and work ethics of the second Republic. The amendment process must be speeded up to capture the interest of the various mining stakeholders and best practices in the sector,” The President said.
The President also encouraged the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Mines and Mining Development Chairperson to push hard for the tabling of the bill. He also reinvigorated the mining industry to remain to comply with the current Mines and Minerals act.
The President said his government will continue to create a conducive environment for investors as the mining sector has become a priority for economic growth. He said the Mining sector, which has grown from US$2,7 billion in 2017 to US$5,2 billion last year, has potential for further growth.
“This remarkable growth must cascade to other associated downstream and upstream industries; hence, my Government encourages the buy local thrust wherever possible.
“As a strategic sector, you have what it takes to accelerate the realisation of the US$12 billion milestone by 2023. This must be premised on the re-opening of closed mines, expansion of existing mines, the opening of new mines, and investment in beneficiation facilities, among others.
“On its part, my Government is committed to providing a conducive and profitable operating environment. This includes promoting sustainable extraction as well as enhancing beneficiation and value addition through the creation of value chains between mining and other sectors of the economy.
He also said that his government was rolling out a computerised mining cadastre system that will eliminate disputes and improve production towards realising the sector target of US$12 billion by 2023.
“Furthermore, Government is in the process of rolling out the computerised mining cadastre system to eliminate mining disputes and avail mining information online,” President Mnangagwa said.