Cabinet set to OK draft mining law

KABUL): The Cabinet on Saturday decided to approve a revised draft law on mines and petroleum at a special meeting, scheduled for Monday, calling the proposed legislative measure crucial to the country’s economic development.

The Council of Ministers, at a meeting chaired by President Hamid Karzai, tasked justice and mines ministers to prepare a law on royalty and ban the transfer of extraction licences.

In addition, they will float recommendations for building miners’ capacity and bringing reforms to the bidding process at the next meeting, according to a statement from the Presidential Palace.

The draft law, which has 19 chapters and 112 articles, were vetted and evaluated by a special committee of the Cabinet on July 14, 2012.

The law outlines general information about the mining sector, duties and responsibilities of staff, reserved areas, prohibited sites, agreements and licences, fee management and infrastructure.

Karzai’s office said the draft could play a crucial role in bringing about economic prosperity and promoting the national interest.

Illegal extraction of mines, especially in eastern Kunar province, also came up for discussion. Mines and interior ministries were tasked to investigate the issue and present a detailed report to the Council of Ministers as soon as possible.

myn /mud

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