Dear Editor,
It seems as though the way forward in acquiring mining lands is through mining syndicates, as alluded to very recently by Minister within the Ministry of Natural Resources, Ms Simona Broomes.
If this is indeed the case then the Ministry of Natural Resources needs to do some public relations to sensitize miners to this new mechanism. As it is, only a few miners know what exactly this is. The Minister also needs to be reminded that miners exist both on the coastland and in the mining districts. So far she has been spreading the word about syndicates almost exclusively in the mining districts. Miners on the coastland have little idea as to what really is going on.
In the interest of fairness and transparency the ministry needs to publicize the guidelines for forming a syndicate and what criteria need to be met to ensure eligibility for a mining block.
Some of the questions which need answering are:-
1) What really is a syndicate and what is to be achieved by issuing mining blocks in that form?
2) How can a syndicate be formed? Urgent clarity is needed on this question.
3) How many mining blocks can a syndicate apply for?
4) Can there be more than one syndicate in a specific area?
5) What are the guidelines for granting a mining block to a syndicate?
6) What happens if more than one syndicate is interested in the same area?
7) How will disputes be resolved between members of the syndicate? It will be inevitable that squabbles and differences will arise when multiple individuals have equal right to the minerals on any given mining block. This will be especially pertinent if very rich mining areas are located.
8) How will GGMC deal with ownership of these blocks when granting a mining permit? Will it be in the name of all members of the syndicate?
The Minister is on record as saying that the previous system of allocation of mining lands was flawed. She should then be aware that she will be held to higher standard of accountability and transparency with this new process.
She can start by making public the guidelines for forming a syndicate and spell out very clearly the process for applying for a mining block.
Yours faithfully,
(Name and address provided)
