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Government has begun formalising artisanal and small-scale mining activities in Mpika District, Muchinga Province, warning illegal operators to vacate identified mining sites ahead of demarcation and allocation to eligible miners.
The exercise, being undertaken by the Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development in collaboration with the Minerals Regulation Commission (MRC), targets mining areas including Kamambwe, Kanyelele and Danger Hill, where informal mining activities have been reported.
In a speech read on his behalf by MRC Manager for Minerals Protection and Security Malfred Moolela during a stakeholder engagement meeting in Mpika, Commission Director General Tom Hara said the initiative was aimed at ensuring mining activities were conducted within the law.
Hara said the Commission was engaging traditional leaders, miners, local communities and other stakeholders as part of efforts to bring artisanal mining operations under the formal regulatory framework.
He said informal operators at the identified sites had been asked to vacate to pave the way for demarcation and subsequent allocation of mining tenements to eligible artisanal miners.
“The Commission is committed to ensuring that mining activities are conducted within the law, illegal mining, mineral processing, smuggling and trading were undermining the country’s mineral governance framework,” Hara warned.
He expressed concern over the continued increase in illegal mining activities, particularly in Mpika and Shiwang’andu, saying the practices posed risks to the environment, public safety and the country’s mineral revenue base.
Hara emphasised that Government was not opposed to citizens participating in artisanal and small-scale mining but maintained that such activities must be conducted legally and responsibly.
He said formalisation would create an orderly operating environment, strengthen regulatory oversight and open legitimate opportunities for Zambians to participate in the mining sector.
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“Section 20(5) of the Minerals Regulation Act No. 14 of 2024 provides for the reservation of artisanal mining rights for Zambian citizens, this is subject to applicable legal requirements and approval by the Commission,” Hara said.
Meanwhile, Muchinga Province Deputy Permanent Secretary Grant Chisapa said Government was concerned about the environmental consequences of unregulated mining, particularly reports of contamination in areas such as Kanchibiya, Kanyelele and Munenshi.
“Irresponsible mining practices could threaten water sources, biodiversity and livelihoods of surrounding communities, uncontrolled mining could also threaten the North Luangwa ecosystem and wildlife,” Chisapa warned.
He said the use of hazardous substances such as mercury posed serious environmental and public health risks, stressing the importance of effective regulation in protecting national security and ensuring mineral resources contributed to national development.
“Government remains committed to promoting mining activities that are legal, safe, formal and transparent,” Chisapa said.
He urged traditional leaders, miners and other stakeholders to support the formalisation exercise.
Chief Chikwanda of Mpika welcomed the initiative, commending the Commission and the Ministry for engaging local communities and miners to obtain their views before the allocation of mining tenements begins.
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