The Ministry of Energy and Energy Industries says “Hold Over” letters were issued last Friday to 25 operators with currently “active” operations in the minerals sector.
Via a media release, it said these operators hold Mining Licences and Processing Licences which have expired.
The Ministry confirmed that these letters allow them to continue their mining and processing operations under the same terms and conditions as their previous licences while their renewal applications are being processed. It added that these letters are valid for a period of one year each.
The Energy Ministry said the decision represents Government’s commitment to ensuring that there is an adequate supply of minerals at affordable prices to meet the infrastructure, and industrial development needs of the country.