Extractive Industry: Government ratifies US$28m donation to strengthen mining, gas sectors

The Mozambican government has ratified a US$28 million Mining and Gas Technical Assistance Project donation from the World Bank’s International Development Association (IDA).

The money will help improve “mining cadastre systems, surveys, interpretation and production of geographic data in areas with potential”, Council of Ministers spokeswoman Ana Comoana said.

The resolution ratifying the donation agreement was approved at the cabinet meeting on Tuesday.

Launched in 2013, the Mining and Gas Technical Assistance Project aims to strengthen the governance of key institutions to manage the mining and hydrocarbon sectors in Mozambique.

The actions extend until 2021, with a total value of US$58.1 million. Technical and institutional capacity building is also planned in the areas of mining and gas exploration.

Mining production has been one of the most important engines of the Mozambican economy in recent quarters, with coal and graphite especially drawing attention. Natural gas exploration megaprojects in the Rovuma Basin are expected to start production within five years. Source: Lusa