Gov’t should actualise Minerals Regulation Commission

By NATION REPORTER

AN economist, Emmanuel Zulu has urged Government to operationalise the Minerals Regulation Commission (MRC) to sanitise the mining sector and maximise its benefits for the good of the country.
Mr Zulu said Zambia would not reap benefits from its minerals in the absence of a functional MRC.
He said in interview yesterday that in the wake of increased mining activities and investments in the country, it was important to actualise the MRC that would curb illegal mining that has so far resulted into many deaths because of illegal mining.
Mr. Zulu said while the resurgence of mining operations was a positive development, the absence of the crucial legislation left the sector vulnerable to mismanagement, manipulation and inefficiencies.
“We wonder if there is political will to operationaliSe the Minerals Regulation Commission which is crucial to the mining sector especially that we have seen a surge in foreign entities seeking our minerals,” he said.
Mr Zulu said the MRC would serve as an overseer of the mining sector and operationaliSing it would be a good starting point in 2025. The proposed bill, which has yet to be enacted, was designed to regulate and monitor the development and management of the country’s mineral resources.
Mr Zulu said enacting the law would be a critical step towards ensuring stability and transparency in the sector.
He highlighted several key benefits of the legislation, including improved mining inspections, streamlined licensing processes, and better marketing strategies for mineral resources. He said that the law could also play a pivotal role in curbing illegal mining activities, which had become rampant and resulting into many avoidable deaths.
Mr Zulu said that despite certain weaknesses in the bill, it would serve as an important foundation for initiating reforms in the mining sector.
He also noted that its enactment would ensure that investors met their financial obligations, further contributing to the country’s economic growth.