Mineral rights applications suspended

The ministry of mines and energy on Friday said it will not consider nor process new applications for mineral rights for a period of nine months, effective from 18 November this year. The proposed suspension will only affect prospective or new applications, the ministry said. The purpose of this review is to update and align the application requirements and procedures to best practice the current national policy, streamline the specific fees and provide for an effective procedure within the law, given global developments. “The mining industry and the public will have an opportunity to comment on the draft policy and legal framework for granting new mineral licenses as the draft reviewed documents will be communicated to the public and availed on the ministry’s website in due time,” the ministry said.