Mozambique’s government has approved the statute of Empresa Nacional de Minas, a new state-owned entity mandated to manage the government’s equity interests in mining ventures and deepen its participation across the mineral resources value chain.

The decision was announced on Tuesday (13) by Cabinet spokesperson Inocêncio Impissa at the close of the 29th session of the Council of Ministers, held in Maputo, according to Lusa. Impissa said the company was established under the 2026 Mining Law and is expected to contribute to the industrialisation of the sector, the strengthening of local content, and the maximisation of economic returns from public investment in mineral resource extraction.

As part of the broader sector reforms, the government also approved the regulations to the Mining Law, which establish the mechanisms for state participation in mining ventures through the new public company. The instrument provides for a minimum state stake of 15% on a non-dilutable free-carry basis — a structure that allows the government to hold an equity interest without bearing the investment costs associated with the initial exploration and development phase, while protecting that percentage against dilution.

The Cabinet additionally approved the organic statute of the Mining Regulatory Authority (Armi), created through the transformation of the former National Mining Institute. The institution is expected to strengthen regulatory and oversight capacity in the sector, as well as promote transparency in licensing processes through the use of modern technologies.

At the same session, the government approved Mozambique’s official list of strategic minerals, an instrument designed to guide public policy, attract investment, promote scientific and technological research, and strengthen monitoring and oversight of mining activity. The package of measures also includes the regulations to the Local Content Law and the establishment of a corresponding regulatory authority. According to the Cabinet spokesperson, the legislation aims to promote the participation of Mozambican entrepreneurs, the hiring of local labour, knowledge and technology transfer, and the formation of business partnerships.

The new Local Content Authority will be responsible for regulating, coordinating, supervising, and overseeing the implementation of the rules, including the certification and development of domestic suppliers. The Council of Ministers also authorised the Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy to proceed with the public auction of minerals seized during inspection operations over the past 18 months.

According to Inocêncio Impissa, the confiscated goods were seized at various points across the country, including production sites and transport routes used in the illegal commercialisation of minerals. The auction is expected to take place during the Conference on Value Addition to Mineral and Energy Resources, scheduled for 19 to 24 October in Nacala-Porto, Nampula province.

The government expects to draw more than 300 participants — comprising both individuals and companies — to the event, which will include the display and sale of the seized minerals.

Source: Diário Económico
Original article: https://www.diarioeconomico.co.mz/?p=552181