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Dosman Mangisi Mining correspondent
CHROME buyers say they are still finding it difficult to export the mineral despite the June 2015 lifting of the export ban due to the 20 percent export tax hurdle.
While the government last week announced a resumption of chrome exports, players in the sector continue to cry foul.
They say the 20 export levy, which was supposed to be scrapped in June, is still operational.
The chairman of Apple Bridge Investments, a company formed under a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) to buy chrome ore, Masimba Chandavengerwa, said neither the miner nor the buyer could pay the 20 percent levy.
“The 20 export tax, which was announced to have been removed, is still in place and the tax has emerged as the major challenge at the moment on chrome ore export.
“We can’t say miners pay 20 percent or the buyer because currently the prices are so low. A Statutory Instrument (SI), which deals with the mineral sub-sector must be put in place in order to start exporting,” said Chandavengerwa.
Announcing the lifting of the export ban in June, Mines and Mining Development Minister Walter Chidhakwa also said the 20 percent levy which was introduced in 2009 was to be removed to increase smelting capacity.
Chandavengerwa also complained over “low” pricing for chrome, which he said was discouraging to producers.
“The buying prices range from as low as $54 to $64 for low grades plus $3 on every increase,” he said.
Chandavengerwa said his company has only managed to buy 1,000 tonnes of chrome in Mashava from small-scale miners.
He said the stockpile is yet to be exported because of the 20 percent export challenge.
Deputy Minister of Mines Fred Moyo acknowledged the challenge.
“The issue of export tax on chrome ore is in the process, it’s a Statutory Instrument. It has to be gazetted and it’s being resolved so that exports resume,” said Moyo.
Online Reporter