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Chita Lodge Limited has taken legal action against the Attorney-General, seeking judicial review over the alleged failure by the Minister of Mines and Minerals Development to determine an appeal regarding a mining exploration license.
The company argued that its appeal, submitted on July 6, 2023, challenging the rejection of its exploration license application (No. 27149-HQ-SEL), has remained unheard for over a year.
It contended that the delay was unreasonable, unfair, and detrimental to its business operations and right to be heard.
Chita Lodge Limited is asking the High Court to declare the minister’s delay as unreasonable and issue a mandamus order compelling the minister to hear and determine the appeal immediately.
It is also seeking an expedited judicial review if leave was granted.
According to an affidavit filed by James Chungu, Managing Director of Chita Lodge Limited, the company has sent several reminder letters to the ministry—dated December 21, 2023; January 22, 2024; September 23, 2024; November 22, 2024; and January 15, 2025—yet has received no response.
Chungu argued that while the Mines and Minerals Development Act No. 11 of 2015 obliges the minister to determine appeals, the absence of a specific timeframe should not justify excessive delays.
He insisted that the prolonged inaction undermined the due process and jeopardized the company’s investment prospects.
The dispute stems from Chita Lodge Limited’s interest in securing a large-scale exploration license in Petauke District, Eastern Province.
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