Biteko orders invalidation of 162 mining licenses, suspension of three officers

Dodoma. Minerals minister Dotto Biteko has directed the Mining Commission to revoke Prospecting Licences (PLs) and Mineral Licences (MLs) issued to 162 middle scale miners within seven days.

Speaking on Monday, February 18, 2019, Mr Biteko also ordered the commission to serve the miners with certificates of outstanding royalty, noting that legal action should be taken against miners who do not comply after 30 days.

He said legal measures should be taken as stipulated by Section 93 of the Minerals Act of 2010 as revised in 2017.

"I’m directing the commission to invalidate the licences within seven days,” said Mr Biteko who was accompanied by the mining commission chairman, Prof Idris Kikula.

Mr Biteko said that after verification it was established that by February 2019, at least 18,341 licence owners out of 30,973 owed the government Sh116.67 billion.

In another development, Mr Biteko directed the ministry’s permanent secretary Prof Simon Msanjila to suspend three officers for allegedly issuing mining licenses of Melela Demarcation area to middle and large scale miners contrary to regulations.

He said the officers contravened the Minerals Regulations number 17 (3) of 2018.

“These areas were set aside by the government for small scale miners, but a few people defy procedures for personal gains,” he said.

He directed the Mining Commission to ensure demarcated areas whose licenses are issued in accordance with Section 16 of the Mineral Act of 2010 as revised in 2017 are protected.