Chapo approves new state ownership mining laws

Mozambique’s President Daniel Chapo has signed a new law requiring ‌15% state ownership in all mining ventures and local processing of minerals, tightening control over its resources as demand for battery materials grows, reports Channel Africa. Mozambique is the world’s third-largest graphite producer, a key material used in batteries for electric vehicles and energy storage. The mining law, approved by Parliament in May, aims to strengthen Mozambique’s ‘management ⁠of strategic resources in defence of the national interest,’ according to a government notice dated 3 June. It was not immediately clear whether the new rules would apply to existing mines, which are mostly covered by long-term agreements. The Mines Ministry was not immediately available to comment. The move places Mozambique ‌among ⁠a growing number of African countries, including top continental lithium producer Zimbabwe and the DRC, the world’s leading cobalt producer and major global copper supplier, which are tightening control over raw exports for greater economic benefit from their resources. The new regulations ⁠prohibit the export of unprocessed or semi‑processed mineral products, except where they are covered by a specific ministerial authorisation, based on approved plans to eventually process locally.

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