Mining tax changes timeframe worries SACCORD

SACCORD ED

Boniface Cheembe

The Southern African Center for the Constructive Resolution of Disputes (SACCORD) is concerned that the timeframe in which changes to the current Mine Tax regime are to be effected may not be adequate.

President Edgar Lungu has issued a directive to the Ministers of Finance and Mines to effect changes to the 2015 Mineral Royalty Tax by 8th April.

But SACCORD believes making changes of such a nature requires more time to allow for extensive consultations with relevant stakeholders.

Executive Director Boniface Cheembe notes that it is only through such extensive consultations that a proper mine tax regime that is able to build confidence in the mining sector as well as ensure the country has a fair share of its mineral wealth can be arrived at.

Mr. Cheembe has told Qfm news in an interview that SACCORD is thus appealing to the Patriotic Front (PF) government to make it a practice that before implementing any critical policy pronouncements it must always engage in wide consultations.

He says such a practice will also put to an end the continued reversals and inconsistencies of government policy in the country.

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