By 
Hapenga Kabeta, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development, has emphasised the need to harmonise and streamline regulations under the country’s new mining legal framework to ensure clarity, consistency and effective implementation.
Speaking at a workshop convened to review, update and align regulations under the Minerals Regulation Commission Act No. 14 of 2024 and the Geological and Minerals Development Act No. 2 of 2025 in Lusaka on Wednesday, Kabeta said harmonisation was critical to avoid duplication and eliminate inconsistencies between institutions overseeing the sector.
He noted that a fragmented regulatory system could create uncertainty for investors, regulators and communities, adding that government’s goal was to establish a streamlined and predictable framework that promoted compliance while encouraging responsible investment.
Kabeta outlined the key objectives of the workshop, which included reviewing and harmonising regulations under the two Acts, developing new regulations under the Geological and Minerals Development Act, and aligning existing mines and minerals development regulations with the new legal structure.
“Participants are expected to formulate comprehensive artisanal and small-scale mining regulations to formalise and support the sub-sector, which remains an important contributor to economic activity and employment,” he said.
Kabeta explained that the repeal of the Mines and Minerals Development Act No. 11 of 2015 and its replacement with the two new laws was undertaken to strengthen regulation and respond to emerging developments in the mining industry.
He said the enactment of the new legislation demonstrated government’s commitment to modernising the governance of the mineral sector and enhancing transparency and sustainability in resource management.
Kabeta stressed, however, that laws alone were not sufficient.
He said effective implementation required clear, coherent and practical regulations to support the legislative framework, making the current review process both timely and necessary.
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