The National Constitutional Amendment Committee (NCAC) on Wednesday submitted the Mining Act of 2012 (amendment) Bill to the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs. Gichira Kibara, Chairperson of the NCAC, spoke to reporters after the submission, emphasizing that the bill aims to regulate mining activities in South Sudan.
Kibara highlighted the significance of the mining act in the country, stating, “The mining act is one of the most important laws in the Republic of South Sudan because the country has a lot of potential in mining which has not been exploited, and as the economy progresses, there is a need for that potential to be exploited.”
The Chairperson of NCAC explained that the bill is designed to streamline the mining sector, with a particular focus on curbing smuggling activities in the country.
“The sustainable and productive approach necessitates the establishment of a robust regulatory framework for mining activities in our country. For example, there is a significant amount of gold being mined, but South Sudan and its people are not benefiting primarily due to smuggling,” explained Kibara.
He expressed confidence that the proposed framework would legitimize the sector, aiming to enhance revenue collection. “The only way to address this issue is by implementing a proper legal framework that ensures mining is conducted officially and appropriately. This way, the government can secure the necessary revenues for country development, and those involved in mining can also earn a livelihood,” he emphasized.
Gabriel Isaac Awow, the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, emphasized that the proposed bill aims to boost revenue for the government. He highlighted the necessity for amending the act to address sector challenges and contribute to the country’s economic support.
Awow explained, “There is a need for this act to be amended so that we can effectively address all challenges in the sector and contribute to the country’s economy. The committee is diligently working to ensure that the law aligns with international standards, safeguarding the rights of the nation and the well-being of people involved in mining areas.”
The NCAC is established under the 2018 peace agreement as one of the organs for implementation of the agreement. Its core mandate is to complete the tasks necessary to prepare for the transition period and the formation of the unity government, draft a Constitutional Amendment Bill, incorporating the peace agreement into the constitution and to draft new or amend legislation in order to conform to provisions of the peace agreement within months of the transition period.
The peace agreement further provides the NCAC with the mandate to make amendments to election related laws.
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