Burundi's assembly passes bill on mining code

The lower house of the Burundian Parliament has unanimously passed a new bill on the mining code, opening doors to the private sector that will need to inject assets into the mining sector in the East African country.

The new bill replaces the one existing since 1976.

Burundian Energy and Mines Minister Come Manirakiza was summoned at the National Assembly Tuesday night to answer questions about the new bill before approval, Xinhua reported.

"The mining code that was into force in Burundi since 1976 didn't separate the mining sector and the oil sector. This new code deals only with the mining sector," Manirakiza told the National Assembly during a 10-hour debate.

The new bill "opens doors" to the private sector that will need to inject assets into the mining sector in Burundi, the minister said, adding: "Burundi is a poor country and therefore needs private investments in the mining sector."

The East African country boasts rich nickel resources in its eastern region and gold in the eastern and western parts.