Zambia records 20 dead from mining incidents in 2025, as non-tax revenue climbs nearly 15%

Zambia’s mining sector recorded a doubling of fatalities in 2025, Mines and Mineral Development Minister Paul Kabuswe has disclosed, while non-tax revenue collection rose by nearly 15 percent.

Speaking in Kasama on Tuesday during the presentation of the 2025 mining performance report, Kabuswe said 20 mining fatalities were recorded in 2025, up from 12 in 2024.

The rise was largely attributed to illegal mining activities, particularly within the Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining (ASM) subsector.

Despite the increase in fatalities, the number of reportable mining accidents declined slightly to 88 in 2025, compared to 92 in 2024.

“As previously noted, government will continue to enforce the law and maintain order to eradicate illegal mining activities,” Kabuswe said.

He added: “We therefore call upon traditional leaders and local authorities to work closely with government in efforts to curb and ultimately eliminate illegal mining.”

On the revenue front, Kabuswe revealed that the Ministry recorded a 14.98 percent increase in non-tax revenue, rising from K115,427,157 in 2024 to K132,709,319.72 in 2025.

He attributed the growth to improved compliance with payment of mining area charges.

“The Ministry continued to sensitise the public on both the formalisation of mining operations and the payment of area charges and other fees, including penalties by mining right holders who fail to comply,” Kabuswe added.

The minister reiterated government’s commitment to strengthening safety standards, enforcing the law, and promoting formalisation in the mining sector to ensure both the protection of miners and the sustainable growth of the industry.

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