The government of Cabo Delgado province has decided to withdraw mining licenses due to a lack of investment on the part of some licensed companies.

The director of the Cabo Delgado Provincial Infrastructure Service, Norte Luali, said, quoted by the newspaper "Carta de Moçambique", that the province had 595 mining titles, but because they were not being used at least 200 licenses were withdrawn from their holders.

The "Carta de Moçambique" source explained that the cancellation of idle licenses aims to open up space for new companies that want to explore the mining areas that are not being exploited.

Cabo Delgado has attracted business groups in recent years who have requested vast areas for the exploitation of subsoil resources, particularly rubies, gold, tourmalines and other precious stones. Currently, only eight mining concessions operate in Cabo Delgado, out of the various exploration licenses granted.

(Photo: DR)