Minerals Regulation Commission Act, No. 14 of 2024

The Minerals Regulation Commission Act regulates and monitors the development and management of mineral resources in Zambia. The Act covers the full spectrum of mining rights, from exploration licences and large-scale mining licences to small-scale and artisanal mining rights, and non-mining rights, including licenses for mineral processing, trading, and exporting and importing. 

Key highlights of the Act include:

• Principles: The Act recognises that mineral resources are to be developed and used prudently and in a manner that promotes socio-economic development, ensures environmental protection and safety, and recognises local community needs.
• Minerals Regulation Commission: The Act establishes a Minerals Regulation Commission, consolidating oversight into a single, autonomous regulator. The Commission has powers to grant, suspend and revoke mining and non-mining rights, assess environmental performance in collaboration with the Zambia Environmental Management Agency, and regulate mineral trading and exports.
• Environmental safeguards: The Act includes the assessment of environmental safeguards as a pre-condition to licensing, addressing environmental conservation, land rehabilitation, and compliance with national standards. 
• Mining Appeals Tribunal: The Act creates the Mining Appeals Tribunal to handle mining related disputes under the Act.

 The Act repeals and replaces the Mines and Minerals Development Act, 2015. 

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