Law to liberalise gem mining licence before P’ment soon

• Land with shares rights or acquired on lease will be allowed to mine

The Cabinet has approved measures to seek Parliament approval to liberalise a gem mining licence scheme, enabling activity even on leased lands. 

As per the provisions of the Government Gem Corporation By-Laws imposed under the provisions of the Government Gem Corporation Act No. 03 of 1971, licenses for the gem industry can only be obtained for lands with clear and individual ownership and individual or freehold ownership. 

Accordingly a person who acquires any land on a lease basis for gem mining cannot apply for a gem mining license. 

However, the Government said it had been observed that about 20% of the applications submitted were for lands with shared rights or leasehold rights. 

Accordingly, the Minister of Industries has issued orders by gazette notification No. 2165/1 on 2 March 2020 in accordance with the provisions of the National Gem and Jewellery Act No. 50 of 1993, so that such applicants can also be issued licenses. 

The Cabinet of Ministers this week approved the proposal made to submit these Orders to Parliament for approval.