Petition Against Proposed Changes to the Mining FlexiCadastre System
- Home
- Blog
- Post
Introduction: Protect the Mining FlexiCadastre System
Key Concerns
1. Lack of Proven Track Record
The current system by Spacial Dimensions has been successfully implemented in numerous countries, providing stability and investor confidence for nearly 20 years. In contrast, Smart Zambia has no experience developing and deploying a mining cadastre system either in Zambia or globally.
2. Potential for System Failures
Research indicates several Dotgov Solutions projects in other Zambian ministries and agencies have faced significant issues or failed entirely. Transitioning to their untested system poses risks of similar problems, leading to potential system failures.
3. Economic and Operational Risks
The current cadastre system has provided stability through four government administrations. An abrupt change threatens to create several challenges, including:
- Increased disputes within the industry and with the government.
- Slower processes for obtaining and maintaining mineral rights due to extensive data migration.
- Reduced investor confidence due to a lack of engagement on the new system’s efficiency and data confidentiality.
- Uncertainty regarding integration costs passed onto end-users.
4. Impact on the Mining Sector and GDP
Zambia is already grappling with economic challenges such as electricity load shedding and low investor confidence. The closure of significant mines like Mopani Copper Mines and Konkola Copper Mines, coupled with the lack of new major mining discoveries since 2012, makes it crucial to support small and medium-scale operators to meet the production goals of 3 million tons of copper per annum set by the UPND administration.
Questions Needing Answers
- Does the current service provider fail to meet industry standards?
- Are industry users dissatisfied with the current service?
- Is the $80,000 annual management fee unaffordable for the government?
- Is the current provider failing to maintain accurate and reliable records?
Suggested Improvements
Instead of replacing the existing system, stakeholders propose the following enhancements:
- Upgrade servers to improve responsiveness.
- Integrate a payment gateway for online payments.
- Upgrade to the latest version of Landfolio’s eGov portal, as used by Botswana.
Financial Considerations
The current system has cost approximately $1.5 million since 2005, including development, maintenance, and support, translating to about $80,000 per year. The World Bank and the European Union have pledged to fund the maintenance of this system to ensure transparency in the mining sector, and these funds are still available.
Operational Challenges
Recent administrative changes have stifled the mining sector. For instance, the Cadastre Department suspended the issuance of new licenses from August 2021 to December 2022, causing significant delays and a backlog in processing licenses. Additionally, the mining appeals tribunal has not been operationalized, leaving investors without a platform for resolving disputes.
Conclusion: Advocate for the Mining FlexiCadastre System
Stakeholders believe the government’s decision to replace the well-established mining cadastre system with the GSB, developed by Dotgov Solutions, is fraught with risks and potential adverse consequences. The lack of stakeholder consultation, poor timing, unproven vendor competence, and significant legal and operational uncertainties necessitate a reevaluation of this decision.
Stakeholders urge the government to consider the proposed improvements to the current system instead of a complete overhaul. They seek an audience with His Excellency, The Republican President of Zambia, and call on the government to engage in comprehensive consultations with all industry stakeholders. Ensuring any changes are made for sound technical and financial reasons will maintain transparency, stability, and investor confidence in Zambia’s mining sector, ultimately benefiting the country’s economy and its citizens.
Join the Petition Campaign
To join the petition, email your details to: info@petitionmining.com
