The government through the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development has reduced the ground rental fees for diamonds from $3000 per hectare per year to $225 per hectare per year. However, the fees for other minerals have not been changed. Here is the statement from the Ministry of Mines and Mining Development:
MINISTRY OF MINES AND MINING DEVELOPMENT
PRESS STATEMENT ON STATUTORY INSTRUMENT 4 OF 2018
The Ministry of Mines and Mining Development wishes to advise that the ground rental fees for diamonds have been reduced from $3,000.00 per hectare per year down to $225.00 per hectare per year. This has been done in the context of the Ease of Doing Business to facilitate investment in the diamond mining industry. With respect to all other minerals, there is no change in the fees charged.
Government has however taken the opportunity to remove uncertainty, duplication and ambiguity that was causing confusion in the mining sector ground rentals/inspection fees arising from different interpretation of SI 10 of 2016. However, it has been noted that the effect of the Statutory Instrument 4 of 2018 has been such that miners will be required to pay more in respect of mining blocks. Government is, therefore, currently reviewing the affected fees and an appropriate statement will be issued within the next 30 days.
The Ministry acknowledges and welcomes the positive feedback we continue to receive on this issue from stakeholders.
MINISTRY OF MINES AND MINING DEVELOPMENT