This Act applies to (a) all activities, operations and transactions related to the prospecting, exploration, mining, development, exploitation, research and beneficiation of minerals, including the processing, smelting, refining of minerals and trading of mineral substances; and (b) the extraction of geothermal resources for direct use. The Act aims to ensure the rational, integrated and safe exploitation and use of mineral resources; protection of mineral resources and the environment; to strengthen the legal and regulatory framework; to enforce and protect health, safety and the environment in the mineral subsector; to provide a framework for gender mainstreaming, equity and human rights; and to ensure that environmental, social and economic impacts of decommissioning are planned, financed and implemented. The Act further requires for compliance with the principles and safeguards of environmental management prescribed under the National Environment Act, 2019 and any other written law with regard to environmental principles.
The Act contains 290 Articles designed in 20 Parts and among others refer to the following issues: mineral rights; administration; mineral agreements and application for mineral rights; exploration, extraction and direct use of geothermal resources; beneficiation of minerals; dealing in minerals; license principles and procedures; surface rights and restriction on exercise of mineral rights; and certification of mineral products. Part XV of the Act refers to protection of environment and provides for prohibition of pollution, liability for pollution damages, environmental and social impact assessment, environmental protection standards, disposal of explosive, environment management systems and disposal of decommissioning facilities. Final parts of the text provides for occupational health and safety, inspection and monitoring, powers of authorities, and penal provisions. The text contains 3 Schedules.