Transparency International Zambia (TI-Z) has noted with intrigue the renewed interest shown by investors as demonstrated by the just ended Mining Indaba held in Cape Town. However, as optimistic as these developments seem, TI-Z would like to caution and remind the Ministry of Mines to ensure transparency and inclusivity in the Mining sector.
During and following the Mining Indaba, a number of notable mining players expressed interest in investing, as well as expanding, investment in Zambia’s mining sector. This surge of interest was followed by a recent announcement by the Republican President that the Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development had completed its audit of mining rights, which seemingly has culminated in a report. The Republican President also intimated that the Ministry of Mines will soon announce resumption of the issuance of mining rights.
Foremost, in as much as the audit of mining rights was publicly announced as being undertaken by the Ministry of Mines, it was TI-Z’s expectation that following the completion of this audit, the Ministry of Mines would publish a summary of findings and recommendations. TI-Z notes with concern that this has not been done, yet the public have been informed that the Ministry of Mines will resume issuance of mining rights. TI-Z is cognizant that the mining rights awarding, licensing and approval stage is critical to safeguarding integrity and governance in the sector. As a matter of fact, it is at this stage that the Ministry can screen, assess and vet those applying for mining awards. Thus, it was TI-Z’s expectation that once this process was concluded, the public would be made aware of the recommendations and measures put in place to restore integrity and credibility in the issuance of licenses given that the suspension of mining licenses was publicized and widely debated.
