MINE REGULATION IS A GAME CHANGER – MINING EXPERT

MINING Expert Edward Simukonda has expressed optimism over the enactment of the Minerals Regulation Commission Bill into law, stating that it will positively change the face of the mining sector in Zambia.

Speaking to The Scoop, Mr. Simukonda explained that the enhanced new Bill 2024 had a lot of good things added to it that would benefit the country.

He stated that once enacted into law, the Minerals Regulation Commission Bill will produce great results in the mining sector adding that once regulation was effected into law, the country would see positive changes in the mining sector.

He said the onus was on the Government to ensure all mining companies followed all the regulations put in place.

He stated that despite Zambia having been formally mining since 1923, it was unacceptable to continue mining without having referees in the sector.

On Friday, Minister of Mines Paul Kabuswe took the long-awaited Minerals Regulation Commission Bill to Parliament which will see the birth of a Regulation Authority in the mining sector like the existence of the ERB in the energy sector, ZICTA in the telecommunication sector or RATSA in the transportation sector.

The Bill is now under Committee Stage and will be back in Parliament for voting after 15 days.