The government has banned Zimbabwe’s regional mining directors from granting new or renewing exclusive exploration orders until further notice.
EPOs give investors the right to prospect (research) for new mineral deposits in specific geographical locations of the country to encourage the discovery of new deposits to open new mines and expand existing operations.
According to the government, this directive will apply to European purchase orders placed in 2021 that expired this year, as well as any other European purchase orders that are currently valid and about to expire.
In 2021, 25 offshore licenses were granted across the country, giving mining companies the ability to explore for minerals over the next three years.
Each of these European offices covered an area of 65,000 hectares.
The Mining Affairs Board issues European purchase orders, which provide their holders with exclusive rights to explore minerals.
In a recent internal circular issued to all Provincial Mining Directors of Mashonaland Central, Mashonaland East, Mashonaland West, Matabeleland North, Matabeleland South, Manicaland, Masvingo and Midlands, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development of Fungo Kunaka stated that no new purchase orders would be Issuing it.
“You should now be aware that the current batch of European purchase orders issued on 12 March 2021 are scheduled to expire on 11 March 2024 at 00.00,” said Konaka, who is also chairman of the Mining Affairs Council.
“By a copy of this internal circular, you are requested not to accept any applications for registration of mining titles in the respective areas of your respective provinces until otherwise informed by formal communication from my office.”
This is what the Permanent Secretary said The directive also applies to all currently active European buy orders at expiration.
The circular was copied to the Minister of Mines and Mining Development – Soda Zhemu; Deputy Minister of Mines and Mining Development – Dr. Eng. Paulette Kambaruma; Principal Director of Technical Services Engineer Charles Tuha and Director of Geological Survey Forbes Mujumbati. Site
