By SILUMESI MALUMO
GOVERNMENT has resolved to revoke mining rights for non-payment of area charges.
Ministry of Mines and Mineral Development Cadaster Director Michael Chibonga said many holders of mining rights had not reminted the charges, therefore, Government had been left with no option but to revoke the licences.
“All holders of mining and non-mining (mineral processing) rights are advised that the Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development shall with immediate effect proceed to terminate all mining rights and non-mining rights that are in breach of Section 57(3) of the Mines and Minerals Development (General) Regulations of 2016, the requirement to pay annual area charges on or before the anniversary of grant of the mining right or mineral processing licence.
This is in accordance with Section 72 of the Mines and Minerals Development Act number 11 of 2015
“The ministry by notice carried in the Zambia Daily Mail & Times of Zambia on November 19, 2020 and in the Daily Nation on 2 November 20, 2020 advised all holders of mining rights and non-mining rights to settle outstanding area charges within Fourteen (14) days of the stated notification,” he said.
Mr Chibonga said that the stated period had lapsed and therefore all licences whose area charges were not paid shall be presented to the Mining Licensing Committee (MLC) for revocation.
He said that if payment had already been made, licence holders should provide proof of payment.
in order for the mining rights not to be revoked.
