Edwin Moyo
Harare- Zimbabwe’s Mines Affairs Board ( ZMAB) is set to announce the approval or rejection of several Exclusive Prospecting Orders (EPOs)
Speaking during mining stakeholder indaba in Harare, Deputy Minister of Mines and Mining Development, Dr Polite Kambamura said the decision was key for enhancing mining growth.
“While the specific outcomes remain undisclosed, the decisions are expected to impact mining growth significantly. So an EPO, which covers up to 65,000 hectares, allows companies to explore specific minerals for up to three years, with the option for renewal.” Kambamura said.
However the slow approval process has drawn criticism from industry stakeholders.
Geological Society chairperson Kennedy Mtetwa said that EPOs applications freeze exploration areas, negatively impacting mining operations.
“The EPOs applications prevents both the applicant and other miners from accessing potentially rich mineral deposits. This in turn hinders production and the discovery of new mines.
“As Geologists we argue that timely approval of EPOs is crucial for unlocking Zimbabwe’s mineral potential. Comparisons were drawn to Australia, where prompt EPO approvals have led to significant gold production, now over 300 tonnes annually compared to Zimbabwe’s 35 tonnes.” Mtetwa said.
Meanwhile Stakeholders have urged the government to streamline the process saying EPOs should be issued or rejected within 12 months to facilitate exploration and mining development.
