Title: Annual surface rights: an obligation for holders of mining and quarry rights
Introduction :
Mining and quarrying activities are essential to the economies of many countries. To be able to exploit these resources, companies and individuals must obtain mining and quarrying rights. However, obtaining these rights does not stop there. Indeed, holders of mining and quarry rights must also pay annual surface rights. In this article we will explain what annual surface rights are and why they are so important.
1. What are annual surface rights?
Annual surface rights are fees that a holder of mining or quarry rights must pay each year for the use of the surface of the land concerned by the operation. These rights are established according to the surface area used and are calculated according to a scale determined by the competent authorities. They are generally set according to the economic value of the extracted resources and are intended to compensate for the environmental and social impact of mining or quarrying activity.
2. The role of CAMI and DGRAD:
The CAMI (General Directorate of Mining Cadastre) is the organization responsible for the management of mining and quarry titles in the Democratic Republic of Congo. It is responsible for issuing titles, collecting annual surface rights and allocating them to the competent authorities. As for the DGRAD (General Directorate of Administrative, Judicial, State and Participation Revenues), it is responsible for collecting revenues linked to annual surface rights and their management to finance infrastructure and development projects.
3. The importance of paying annual surface rights:
Payment of annual surface rights is crucial for several reasons. First of all, it guarantees the maintenance of the holder’s mining or quarry rights. Indeed, according to the Mining Code in force, non-payment of annual surface rights may result in forfeiture of mining or quarrying rights. Therefore, holders must ensure that they pay their rights within the set deadlines to maintain their exploitation rights.
Then, annual surface rights contribute to financing infrastructure and local development. Indeed, part of the revenue collected is used to finance development projects in the regions where mining or quarrying operations are located. This helps generate positive economic benefits for local communities and improve people’s living conditions.
Conclusion :
Annual surface rights are an obligation for holders of mining and quarry rights. In addition to guaranteeing the maintenance of these rights, they contribute to the financing of infrastructure and local development. It is therefore essential for operators to pay these fees on time. The CAMI and the DGRAD play a crucial role in the collection and management of these revenues. By respecting these obligations, operators can contribute in a sustainable manner to the economic and social development of their region.