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The Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development has reportedly cancelled 3,000 mining licences for non-compliance with statutory obligations since 2024.
The cancellations follow findings that the affected licence holders failed to meet conditions prescribed under the Mines and Minerals Development Act. Of the licences cancelled, 1,200 holders have appealed against the decision.
In a statement issued in Lusaka on Friday, Ministry Permanent Secretary, Dr. Hapenga Kabeta, said the move forms part of a broader reform programme aimed at strengthening governance, accountability and transparency in the mining sector, with particular focus on critical minerals such as copper, lithium, manganese and cobalt.
Kabeta made the remarks when he received a delegation from the Bureau of Economic and Business Affairs of the United States Department of State, led by Programme Manager Evan McGlaughlin.
He stated that the reforms were intended to revitalise the mining industry by prioritising productive and compliant operations, while streamlining the cadaster database to enhance transparency, efficiency and effective mineral resource management.
Kabeta further disclosed that the Cadaster Department has commenced a comprehensive clean-up exercise to ensure the accuracy, integrity and credibility of the national mining register.
“This measure is intended to ensure that only operational and productive mines remain on the national register,”Kabeta said.
Meanwhile, he reiterated that Zambia did not offer preferential treatment to any country or investor, stressing that all investors were treated equally in accordance with Zambian law.
“Zambia’s vision regarding green minerals is to promote sustainable exploration, enhance value addition, and position the country as a reliable global supplier of critical minerals, thereby contributing to improved socio-economic development for its citizens,” he said.
In his remarks, McGlaughlin encouraged Zambia to further invest in modern mining technologies to maximise its mineral potential and attract increased investment.
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