Mozambique is proposing sweeping reforms to its mining laws that would require the state to hold a minimum 15% stake in all mining projects and ban the export of unprocessed minerals, as the country seeks to increase domestic value capture from its natural resources.
A draft revision of the mining law, scheduled for parliamentary debate on 7 May, reflects a broader policy shift aimed at strengthening state participation and encouraging local mineral processing. Under the proposed framework, the government – through state mining company ENM – could increase its ownership beyond 15% on a project‑by‑project basis.
The reforms would also overhaul licensing arrangements, with exploration permits valid for two to five years and mining concessions extending up to 25 years. In addition, the proposals mandate that 10% of mining revenues be allocated to a local development fund, introduce stricter oversight across the mining value chain, and establish designated zones for artisanal mining.
Mozambican authorities indicated that the existing legal framework, in place for more than a decade, contains gaps that limit the country’s ability to capture full economic value from mining activity. President Daniel Chapo said the reforms aim to ensure mineral development translates into long‑term economic and social benefits, including job creation, local business participation and improved public services.
Mozambique’s proposed changes mirror a broader trend across Africa, where governments are tightening control over mineral resources amid rising global demand for commodities. Countries including Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger and Ghana have recently revised mining codes or increased state ownership, taxes and local participation requirements. Several of these reforms include restrictions on raw mineral exports and greater emphasis on domestic processing.
By increasing state stakes and restricting exports of unprocessed minerals, Mozambique and other African nations aim to stimulate industrialisation, attract investment into local processing facilities and retain a larger share of mining revenues domestically, particularly as demand for critical and energy‑transition minerals accelerates globally.
