THE Mines and Energy Parliamentary Portfolio Committee has called on government to hand back mining claims seized when miners failed to pay the requisite fees after they were hiked by 5 000% in 2012.
by VENERANDA LANGA
In its report on the 2016 National Budget, the committee said the high mining fees affected mainly small-scale miners who ended up getting kicked out of their claims because they could not afford the fees.
“The committee appreciates the downward review of mining fees and charges in the first quarter of 2016. However, it is saddening to note that the reprieve is coming at a time when most small-scale miners have already forfeited their claims due to non-payment of the fees.”
The hike saw registration fees for diamond claims increasing from $1 million to $5 million, with a new ground rental fee of $3 000 per hectare per year.
Application fees for prospective coal investors increased from $5 000 to $100 000, while those for platinum claims for both ordinary and special prospectors were pegged at $500 000, up from $200.
Cutting and polishing licences went up from $20 000 to $100 000, and a gold-buying licence went up from $2 500 to $100 000.
- Chamisa under fire over US$120K donation
- Mavhunga puts DeMbare into Chibuku quarterfinals
- Pension funds bet on Cabora Bassa oilfields
- Councils defy govt fire tender directive
Keep Reading
The fees were reviewed downwards in 2014, but in the 2016 National Budget, Finance minister Patrick Chinamasa promised to further review selected fees and charges.
“In order to promote formalisation of illegal mining, marketing of minerals and advance the beneficiation agenda, in line with the 10-Point Plan for economic reform as enunciated by the President, it is necessary to further review selected fees and charges.
“The review process will be carried out in consultation with the Mines ministry and other relevant stakeholders. The new fees and charges will take effect from January 1, 2016,” Chinamasa said in his 2016 National Budget statement.
The committee also revealed that government failed to avail 30% contributions to a $100 million loan facility promised to small-scale miners in 2015 and called for further reduction of mining Environmental Impact Assessment levies.
