The Government of the Republic of Zambia is committed to open dialogue and extensive engagements with all stakeholders affected by various policy reforms and decisions. Similarly, the Zambia Chamber of Mines is equally committed to engaging with Government in finding solutions on policy and regulatory matters affecting the mining industry.
On the 11th of September 2024, the mining industry technical working group under the Public Private Partnership Dialogue Forum, held a consultative meeting on the draft Minerals Regulation Commission Bill with a view to resolving outstanding matters. During the meeting all the issues that were raised were resolved, with the exception of clause 15 of the Bill. The meeting resolved to revise clause 15, based on proposed amendments from the Zambia Chamber of Mines to be submitted to the Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development.
However, on Tuesday the 17th of September 2024, a media statement was released by the Zambia Chamber of Mines expressing concern on mining policy proposals. Following the media statement, in the spirit of continued dialogue, a meeting was convened on the 20th of September 2024 between Government and the Zambia Chamber of Mines to reach an amicable settlement on the construct of clause 15 of the draft Bill.
In furtherance of the meeting, the parties have developed a roadmap for the resolution of the matter within the shortest period of time to ensure continued stability in the mining sector.
At the close of the meeting, the President of the Zambia Chamber of Mines Dr. Godwin Mooba Beene said: “The Chamber is pleased to note that the dialogue around clause 15 of the draft MRC Bill shall continue.”
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Mines and Mineral Development, Dr. Hapenga Monty Kabeta said: “Government will continue on the trajectory of open dialogue on all policy reforms in the mining sector. I am excited that this matter, once resolved, opens great opportunities for the economic transformation of the country.”
Zambia Chamber of Mines Ministry of Mines and Mineral Development
Issued on 20th September 2024, Lusaka Zambia.