The Tax Authority (AT), the entity responsible for tax administration and oversight in Mozambique, announced that it is consulting internal units and other state institutions to create a “Mineralogical Atlas.” The document aims to consolidate geological, chemical, and economic information on minerals with industrial and commercial potential.
“This document was designed to consolidate geological, chemical, and economic information on minerals and rocks with industrial and commercial potential, contributing to the harmonization of classification criteria, revision of tax rates, and promotion of fiscal transparency in the extractive sector,” the AT stated in a press release cited by Lusa.
The Mineralogical Atlas, financed by the Efficient Taxation for Inclusive Development (TEDI) Program, will support more efficient taxation of mining activities, complementing the implementation of reference prices for minerals. The document will provide data on the identification, characteristics, and occurrence regions of mineral resources.
The AT clarified that the project was prepared in coordination with the Ministry of Mineral Resources and Energy, through the National Institute of Mines (INAMI) and the Kimberly Process Management Unit (UGPK), responsible for certifying diamond production in Mozambique. The document is still in the initial phase and will be finalized after the ongoing consultations, including laboratory analyses of minerals.
In September, the tax authority identified MZN 2 billion (USD 30 million) in debts from the past five years, arising from taxes on mining surface areas and production. Also in September, the Government announced that it had issued 1,858 mining exploration licenses in the first half of the year and recovered MZN 301.3 million (USD 4.8 million) in tax debts from the sector. The Government’s note adds that MZN 223.4 million (USD 3.5 million) in enforceable bonds were identified, which will revert to the State to support the rehabilitation and closure of abandoned mines. These measures strengthen the management and sustainable use of mineral resources.
In March, the Government expressed its intention to impose rules on the use of mineral and energy resources to ensure they benefit the country. The Executive also indicated an interest in “releasing” areas considered idle for exploitation, promoting local economic development.
Currently, Mozambique has around 3,000 exploration licenses in the mineral and energy resource sectors, according to data released by the Government in March. The Mineralogical Atlas emerges as a strategic tool to harmonize information, promote transparency, and improve taxation in the mining sector.
Source: Diário Económico
