The Mozambican government will launch tenders for the exploration and research of base metals, precious and semiprecious stones in the centre and north of the country, the National Institute of Mines (INAMI) has indicated.
“We are now in the launch phase of tenders, aimed at granting licenses. The tenders will not be just for coal, but also phosphate, ruby, bismuth, limestone, copper, iron and two areas for research of beryl in Tete province,” INAMI director Adriano is quoted by the daily Noticias as saying.
The launch of the tenders is the result of a government survey that determined the existence of these ores in various parts of Mozambique.
“We went to Niassa, where, from 2015 to 2017 we were able to identify about 800 million tons of burning (thermal) coal,” Sênvano said.
A total of 12 areas will be concessioned for the research of various types of mineral resources in five provinces: Nampula, Cabo Delgado and Niassa provinces in northern Mozambique, and Zambezia and Tete in the centre of the country.
According to Sênvano, geological studies show that the mineral resources sector can contribute positively to the country’s gross domestic product (GDP).
“In terms of GDP, in 2014 we contributed 4.4% and, in 2018, 7.3%. We do not have figures for the next five years, but if all goes as now, we will contribute even more to GDP,” he added.
Source: Lusa via Club of Mozambique
