Govt halts mining ownership transfers citing massi...

Govt halts mining ownership transfers citing massive distortions

**Mines Ministry Permanent Secretary, Pfungwa Kunaka**

Nyashadzashe Ndoro

Ministry of Mines and Mining Development has halted the transfer or exchange of ownership of mining rights to curb the rise in distortions.

In a notice seen by this publication, Mines Ministry Permanent Secretary Pfungwa Kunaka, ordered all Provincial Mining Directors not to carry out mining transfer or exchange of ownership of mining rights.

“Attention provincial mining ministry leaders: There are so many mining rights transfers underway, many of which may have been done without the knowledge of the PMD provincial mining department and headquarters,” read part of the notice dated December 12.

“This development has led to significant distortions in the ownership of mining rights and, in some cases, has rendered the sites unsuitable for mining activities.

“In consideration of the above, I hereby inform you that we will immediately instruct all PMD and any of your employees not to carry out any transfer or exchange of ownership of mining rights. If any title holder requires transfer, PMD must seek written authorisation from headquarters,” read part of the notice.

Zimbabwe Miners Federation welcomed the decision saying it will reduce corruption in the mining industry.

“We welcome the move as ZMF as this was now fuelling corruption and also some sales were now taking place without the consent of the owner and some were also taking place in reserved areas,” she said.

“How does a foreign company buy an 8-hectare lithium block?”