MPs in new plot to clip Mining Cabinet Secretary’s powers

MPs want to limit the powers of Mining Cabinet Secretary in controlling the granting of mineral rights to potential miners in the country.

Worried by the sweeping powers granted to the Cabinet Secretary in the Mining Bill, members are now planning to introduce amendments that would create a Board to exercise some of those powers and check against abuse.

"With the discretionary powers that we have given the Cabinet Secretary in this Bill, if we do not curtail them, we would mainly be replacing the word Commissioner of Mines with Cabinet Secretary in the current law," said House Committee on Environment and Natural Resources chairman Amina Abdallah. The Bill is still at the debate stage.