Geological and Minerals Development Act, 2025 (No. 2 of 2025).

This Act comprising 19 articles organized into VI Parts provides in Article 3 for the appointment of the (i) Director of Geological Survey; (ii) Director of Artisanal, Small Scale Mining and Value Addition; (iii) Director of Large-Scale Mining and Mineral Investment Promotion by the Civil Service Commission, while the Minister may designate a public officer to be an authorised officer with the main power of entering a mining area or premises to (i) inspect and examine mining or mineral processing activities; (ii) check for nuisances on the site; (iii) enforce the law or address nuisances; (iv) collect samples (soil, rocks, minerals, etc.) for analysis; (v) examine records, maps, logs, and documents; (vi) make copies or extracts of relevant records; (vii) gather necessary information for implementing the Act.
Part III of the Act outlines the functions and powers of the Director of the Geological Survey and authorized officers. The Director is responsible for conducting geo-scientific research, developing a national geo-scientific database, advising the Minister, and promoting mineral exploration, exploitation, and sustainable land use. The department may offer consultancy services for a fee. For survey and exploration, the Director or authorized officers may enter land, collect samples, conduct mapping, and place survey markers, subject to the landowner’s consent. Landowners are entitled to compensation for substantial damage, and minimal disruption must be ensured during activities. Entry is not permitted on restricted lands without appropriate authorization. Part IV focuses on promoting and regulating artisanal, small-scale, and large-scale mining. The Director of Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining is tasked with (i) fostering sustainable practices; (ii) encouraging formalization; (iii) conserving resources; (iv) building capacity through technical support; (v) promoting value addition. The Director of Large-Scale Mining and Mineral Investment Promotion works to (i) attract investment; (ii) develop policies; (iii) promote local content; (iv) showcase mineral wealth; (v) encourage reinvestment. The Act also requires holders of mining or mineral processing rights to prioritize local materials, services, and employment of citizens. Additionally, exploration licence holders must obtain written consent before removing minerals and must comply with specified conditions. Part V establishes and deals with the Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining Fund to promote and develop the sector, and in particular, (i) providing grants, loans to artisanal and small-scale miners; (ii) paying administrative and management expenses not exceeding five percent of the Fund. The General Provisions conclude the Act by addressing (i) the Minister's authority to issue binding guidelines for effective implementation; (ii) strict prohibitions against unauthorized disclosure of official information; and (iii) immunity for directors and authorized officers for actions carried out in good faith.