By Lucy Tandi – Tuesday 27 July 2021
HARARE (Mining Index) – THE Ministry of Mines and Mining Development says it is working tirelessly to ensure automation of the much-awaited Mining Cadastre Information System by end of this year.
The much-awaited cadastre system is an e-government system through which stakeholders in the Zimbabwean mining industry will be able to administer their mineral rights online and check Mining Cadastre Map Portals which provide a spatial view into the mining cadastre data.
“By end of year, we should have the cadastre system running to eliminate problems were are facing in the mining sector,” said Rangarirayi Mhazo, Principal Policy Planning and Coordination Officer in the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development during the Delve Exchange program.
The Delve Exchange is a global knowledge exchange network by artisanal and small-scale miners and quarry workers. Through its six regional networks, the Delve Exchange will offer monthly forums on Zoom, ongoing exchange through WhatsApp groups, and selected training opportunities.
Mhazo said the ministry of Mines ‘got support from treasury’ to work and finalise the implementation process of the cadastre system.
In 2019, Finance and Economic Development minister Prof Mthuli Ncube allocated US$1.7 million towards operationalization of the project.
Earlier this year, Higher and Tertiary Education, Science and Technology Development Minister Prof Amon Murwira revealed through a webinar that his ministry was tasked to assist with the implementation of the mining cadastre system, promising the mining system would be automated before end of this year.
A mining cadastre is the cornerstone of a secure mineral rights system and records the geographical location, ownership and time validity of mining rights. It also facilitates compliance with the payment of fees and/or other requirements to ensure the validity of a concession.
The mining cadastre portal will enable government to regulate and obtain value from mining operations while making mining cadastre information available to investors.
The mining system is expected to incorporate information provided by all provinces, districts and communities in Zimbabwe, published as online information on mineral rights.
The web-based platform is also expected to assist miners to interact directly with the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development in submission of new applications, view licenses or permit details, uploading of statutory reports and check application status online and in real time.
Successful implementation of a modern mining cadastre requires the development of a database of mining licenses with their status, location, ownership, fees and dues paid and other relevant information.
The cadastre system is expected to benefit Zimbabwe’s extractives industry by providing a transparent channel for communication between the government and its stakeholders while enabling greater efficiency through the reduction of paper‑based submissions. ENDS// www.miningindex.co.zw
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