- In a notice dated September 14, 2024, the Ministry emphasized that any individuals or entities found engaging in activities involving these minerals in violation of the Mining Act of 2016 and the Strategic Mineral Regulations of 2017 will face legal consequences.
The Ministry of Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs has issued a warning to the public regarding the handling of strategic minerals. In a notice dated September 14, 2024, the Ministry emphasized that any individuals or entities found engaging in activities involving these minerals in violation of the Mining Act of 2016 and the Strategic Mineral Regulations of 2017 will face legal consequences.
On October 3, 2023, the Cabinet declared 14 minerals as strategic, as detailed in Gazette Notice No. 14732. This designation restricts any activities related to these minerals such as prospecting, mining, trading, or processing to be conducted exclusively by the National Mining Corporation (NAMICO) or in partnership with it.
Some of the minerals declared as strategic include Rare earth, Coltan, Nickel, Radioactive, Niobium, Copper, Lithium, Graphite, Tin, Tsavorite, Chromite, Uranium and Thorium amongst other minerals.
“Despite the robust measures instituted by the Ministry to safeguard these 14 strategic minerals, we have received reports of unscrupulous individuals who are disregarding the law,” the Ministry stated. “These individuals have been prospecting, mining, and dealing in strategic minerals, particularly copper, coltan, and chromite.”
The Ministry reiterated its commitment to implementing comprehensive reforms within the mining sector. “This includes total protection of strategic minerals from merchants of impunity who are attempting to plunder our mineral resources through circumventing the law for selfish gains,” it added.
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