23 October 2008
Maputo — The Mozambican government is demanding more work by companies licensed to mine for gold and other metals in the country, such as nickel, aluminium, copper, zinc, and lead, and has threatened to cancel the licenses of those who are not using them.
Mineral Resources Minister Esperanca Bias noted on Wednesday that many companies have been granted licenses but are not operating in the field, while others are not abiding by the legislation governing mining.
Speaking in Maputo, during a meeting with representatives of companies licensed to mine gold and other metals, Bias said that those companies that are not respecting the law may see their licenses revoked.
"The interest of the government is not to impose fines or revoke licences", she told the participants. "What we want is to see concrete work done in the field. It is important that you do the work and submit your report of activities, according to the law".
The Mozambican government has issued 296 mining licenses to 115 companies to explore for metal deposits, but many of them did nothing at all with the licenses until recently. Now, however, many have begun working, but with results are only expected within a few years.
"Most of the licensed mining companies are still at the stage of exploration and research", said the deputy national director of mines, Obete Matime. "Some areas are showing signs of very good minerals, which means that there will soon be mining for gold and other metals".
Only the company "Agrupamento Mineiro de Mocambique' is currently mining for gold on an industrial scale, in the central province of Manica, where there is a great potential, that is still under-exploited.
Mining for gold in the country is mostly done by informal small prospectors, and the idea behind the licensing of companies is to reduce illegal prospecting, which has caused serious losses to the state, damaged the environment problems and endangered the lives of the artisanal miners themselves.
Bm/pf (339)
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