Small-scale gemstone miners condemn sharp increase in ZEMA fees

The Emerald and Semi-Precious Stones Mining Association of Zambia (ESMAZ) has condemned the recent decision to increase fees charged by the Zambia Environmental Management Agency (ZEMA) for small-scale gemstone miners.

ZEMA has reportedly raised the fees for small-scale gemstone miners from K17,000 to K106,666.40, a move the association says will severely affect the sector.

In a statement issued on Thursday, ESMAZ Secretariat, Shadrack Mwape, described the increase as a major setback for the industry, which he said has already been struggling to survive.

He urged government to intervene and revisit the decision, warning that it threatened the livelihoods of thousands of small-scale miners across the country.

“The increase in fees from K17,000 to K106,666.40 is unjustifiable and will lead to non-compliance, crippling the sector and causing economic hardship among small-scale miners,” Mwape warned.

The association has also appealed to President Hakainde Hichilema to intervene and save the small-scale mining sector from what it described as an excessive financial burden.

“We call on all stakeholders to unite and resist this attack on our industry,” Mwape said.

WARNING! All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express permission from ZAMBIA MONITOR.