Parly debates Mines, Minerals Amendment Bill 

Source: Parly debates Mines, Minerals Amendment Bill – DailyNews Live

Blessings Mashaya     9 March 2018

HARARE – The parliamentary portfolio committee on Energy and Mines
yesterday said efforts to introduce reforms in the mining sector through
the Mines and Minerals Amendment Bill were long overdue.

The committee chairperson Temba Mliswa told the National Assembly during
the second reading of the Bill that in order to optimise production, the
mining industry requires $3,9 billion in the next five years and this
growth needs to be supported by a strong legal and policy framework.

“The Committee would like to commend the ministry of Mines and Mining
Development for its effort to introduce reforms in the mining sector.
These reforms have long been overdue given the criticality of the sector
to the growth of the economy.”

“However, the Committee would encourage the Executive to consider some of
its recommendations most of which emanated from the public consultations,
so as to enact a law which is line with the African Mining Vision of 2009
and is also according to the hopes and aspirations of the citizens of this
country.

“A provision should be included in the Bill which allows for Parliament to
scrutinise multi-million dollar contracts entered into by government. A
provision should be inserted in the Bill, in line with section 315 (2) (c)
of the Constitution to ensure transparency and accountability in the
negotiation of mining contracts.”