Africa-Press – Angola. The National Assembly (AN) proceeded, this Thursday, to the final approval of the Proposed Law on Combating Illegal Mining Activity.
Approved with 106 votes in favor, 71 against and four abstentions, the law aims to criminalize conduct that derives from the illicit exploitation of mineral resources.
On the occasion, parliamentarian Jorge Ribeiro Uefo, from the MPLA, defended the proposal as he understood that it aims to combat illicit acts with negative impacts on the economy and national interests, as well as protecting national resources and banning economic crime.
For his part, deputy Benedito Daniel, from the PRS/FNLA mixed group, said he voted against because he considered that the law “will not solve” the problem of the negative impact on the environment, nor combat violence, but it will satisfy unconfessed ideological and economic interests.
Joaquim Nafoia, from UNITA, said that his bench considers the law to criminalize the poorest and protect strong groups, in addition to inhibiting productive activities, such as fishing and family farming, in diamond exploration areas.
This legislative initiative by the Executive aims to discourage and criminalize conduct that derives from the illicit exploitation of mineral resources, which generates harmful impacts on the environment, human life, public health, the subsistence of communities, the economy and consequent development.
It also aims to introduce a specific legal regime to combat illegal mining activity that establishes penalties appropriate to the severity of the typified conduct and results.
The document defines rapid procedures for the loss and appropriation in favor of the State of instruments and proceeds of crime.
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