‘Don’t treat informal miners as criminals,’ federation cautions govt, recommends regulatory education

The Federation of Small-Scale Mining Association of Zambia (FSSMAZ) has called on the Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development to intensify efforts to educate small-scale miners on compliance and formalization of their operations.

FSSMAZ president, Joseph Mwansa, said collaboration between the Ministry and the federation would help ensure that artisanal and small-scale miners are properly integrated into the formal economy.

In an interview with Zambia Monitor, Mwansa also proposed the introduction of a national policy to recognize and reward small-scale miners who discover new minerals, noting that many of these miners possessed valuable expertise and on-the-ground experience.

He cautioned against penalising miners without first offering adequate education on regulatory compliance.

“It is heartening to see growing formalization in the sector, but we must not overlook the significant contributions of informal miners. These individuals often discover valuable minerals that benefit the entire country, yet they are frequently treated as criminals,” he said.

Mwansa stressed the importance of regulatory education.

“It’s not enough to punish; we must teach. The Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) has set a commendable example by educating miners on tax compliance. That model should be replicated across all aspects of regulation,” he said.

Highlighting the importance of recognising mineral discoveries, Mwansa referenced the case of sugilite—a rare mineral first described in 1944 by Japanese petrologist Ken-ichi Sugi, after whom it was named.

“We must learn to acknowledge those who make such discoveries. Their natural intelligence and field experience can unlock new mineral wealth if properly supported,” he added.

Meanwhile, Mwansa welcomed government’s target of producing three million metric tonnes of copper annually by 2031 and pledged the federation’s support.

“We are committed to contributing toward this national goal and will soon present our recommendations on how to achieve it,” he said.

He called for unity, education, and recognition in the sector.

“By working together and doing the right thing, we can support the President’s vision and improve the lives of our people. With proper planning, formalization, and hard work, we can unlock the full potential of Zambia’s small-scale mining sector,” said Mwansa.

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