Mining association works on new regulations

Emmah Chinyamutyangira Manicaland Correspondent
The Association of Mine Managers of Zimbabwe (AMMZ) is working on establishing new regulations that will guide mining operations and management of mining resources in the country in line with international best practices.

Speaking at an annual general meeting in Mutare last week, AMMZ president Mr Eliakem Hove said the association was also reviewing the current mining fiscal regime.

“Stakeholders are failing to implement policies due to lack of understanding of the regulatory framework, so we want to tighten our laws and establish new regulations to improve mining resource management.

“AMMZ is also seized with implementing the mining Cadastre Information Management System after a provision was made in the National Budget for its implementation,” said Mr Hove.

He the association believed the revision of the policies would go a long way in modernising the regulations in line with international best practices.
“Collaboration with Government remains critical if the mining sector is to achieve targeted growth rates as enunciated in Government’s Transitional Stabilisation Programme (TSP).

“This is a step towards transforming the AMMZ into a full professional institution,” he said.
Principal inspector of mines in the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development Mr Shepherd Dhliwayo urged the association to review and amend the Full Blasting Licence (FBL) syllabus since it was lagging behind in terms of technology.

“The ministry has noted with great concern that most mines are not considering training as a priority. This is evidenced by the many aspiring FBL candidates who have exhibited inadequate practical exposure when they sit for FBL examinations. We have noted that some training programmes are inadequate.

“There is need to align the syllabus with new technological changes,” said Mr Dhliwayo.
He added that they should continue being involved in the review of the Indigenisation and Economic Empowerment law, development of the Minerals Development Policy and specific mineral strategies.