THE Government is processing 213 mining concessions under the first phase of the “use it lose it” policy, as it seeks to enhance productivity and achieve a 12-billion US dollar mining sector by 2023.
The Minister of Mines and Mining Development, Honourable Winston Chitando addressed several stakeholders at a mining workshop in Mutare this Thursday, where he revealed strides by the government to achieve the 12 billion United States dollar mining sector in three years time.
The Minister explained the implementation of the “use it lose it” policy and how established and small scale miners are expected to contribute to the achievement of the 2023 mining target.
“We do have right now 213 concessions that are being processed under the loss it or use it concept. The forfeiture of all mining titles, which are overdue in terms of mining inspection fees is also being done. Achievements of hundred tonnes per annum will be a combination of large- and small-scale miners. In addition, government will over the next few weeks be implementing the gold centre initiative that targets 16 centres before further expansion. I am pleased to say the capacity is increasing,” said the minister.
According to Minister Chitando, exciting and encouraging developments are also taking place in the platinum and gas exploration sectors.
“In terms of platinum, the three billion dollars was premised on three new projects and optimisation of existing projects. I am pleased to say Great Dyke Investments are ahead of target with other projects also doing well. Coal and hydrocarbons will be the first to exceed targets. The use of gas as a substitute to diesel will soon be rolled out with a road map already there,” he said
Meanwhile, Minister Chitando visited Chikonga Mine in Mutasa district to appreciate mining activities at one of the fastest-growing mining concerns in Manicaland province.
Zimbabwe is vigorously enforcing a policy to force companies to develop their mining assets and not keep the land for speculative purposes.
The policy stemmed from the fact that some investors had not developed gold and platinum assets that they had held dating back to the 1960s and the mines ministry had asked some companies to justify why they should keep their claims to those assets.
The government had been lax in enforcing the “use it or lose it” policy but that has changed as the country pursues to achieve a US$12 billion mining sector by 2023.
