Parliament has intensified pressure on Government to expedite the passage of the long-awaited Mines and Minerals Bill, warning that continued delays are creating uncertainty in Zimbabwe’s mining sector and slowing the implementation of critical reforms aimed at modernising the industry.
The call follows oral evidence sessions held with the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development, during which lawmakers urged authorities to swiftly resolve the outstanding constitutional issues holding up the legislation.
Chairperson of the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Mines and Mining Development, Remigius Matangira, said Parliament was eager to see the bill finalised after years of delays.
“We acknowledge the progress that has been made so far. Please expedite the bill because we need it,” Matangira said.
The committee’s appeal comes after Government officials appeared before Parliament to address constitutional concerns that previously resulted in an adverse report on the proposed legislation.
Mines and Mining Development Minister, Dr Polite Kambamura told lawmakers that the Parliamentary Legal Committee had initially raised 21 constitutional concerns regarding the bill. While most of the issues have since been addressed, six outstanding matters remain unresolved.
Government has been given 14 days to respond to the remaining concerns before the Parliamentary Legal Committee considers withdrawing its adverse report.
Matangira expressed confidence that the ministry would meet the deadline, but stressed that the prolonged delay had already affected the sector.
“We are not doubting Thomases. We have waited long enough, and waiting another 14 days is not a problem,” he said.
He noted that several policy initiatives being pursued by the ministry require legislative backing, making it imperative for the bill to be enacted without further delay.
The Mines and Minerals Bill is expected to modernise Zimbabwe’s mining legislation, strengthen governance in the sector and provide a legal framework for the implementation of new mining policies.
Once the outstanding constitutional issues are resolved and the adverse report withdrawn, the bill will proceed through Parliament and the Senate before being submitted to the President for assent.
Lawmakers say Zimbabwe’s mining industry cannot afford further delays, particularly at a time when Government is seeking to maximise the sector’s contribution to economic growth and national development.
