Four mining companies operating in Tete province are under government assessment over suspected environmental pollution in areas where they conduct their activities. The companies in question are Vulcan Mozambique, JSPL Mozambique Minerais, ICV-Minas de Benga Group, and Minas de Moatize, all involved in coal mining.
According to Government spokesperson Inocêncio Impissa, cited by the Mozambique Information Agency (AIM), a multisectoral technical commission has been established to intervene in the environmental sector, with special attention to mining enterprises operating in Tete. Impissa, who also serves as Minister of State Administration and Public Service, spoke following the 34th Ordinary Session of the Council of Ministers, held on Tuesday, October 7, in Maputo.
The official acknowledged that, although the companies hold valid environmental licenses, compliance with environmental management plans has been a recurring challenge.
“Despite being environmentally licensed, the implementation of environmental management plans has been a major challenge, characterized by persistent non-compliance,”
said Inocêncio Impissa.
The technical commission is composed of experts from several ministries, namely: Agriculture, Environment and Fisheries; Mineral Resources and Energy; Public Works, Housing and Water Resources; Planning and Development; Economy; Labour, Gender and Social Action; and Health, in addition to the Attorney General’s Office.
The group’s objective is to diagnose the environmental situation on the ground and propose measures to mitigate the impact of mining activities. The final report is expected to be submitted to the government within the next 30 days, enabling the definition of more effective environmental control and inspection strategies.
During the same session, the Government approved the revision of the law establishing the Millennium Challenge Account Mozambique (MCAM) and its organic statute. The amendment aims to adapt MCAM’s legal and institutional framework to current governance requirements, the government’s structure, and inter-ministerial coordination, ensuring the efficient implementation of the Connectivity and Coastal Resilience Program.
The Council of Ministers also ratified the visa exemption agreement for holders of diplomatic or service passports between Mozambique and Colombia. The agreement, signed in October 2024 in the Colombian city of Cali, seeks to strengthen bilateral relations and facilitate cooperation between the two nations.
Source: Diário Económico
