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The Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development has intensified efforts to formalise and professionalise the artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) subsector with the development of updated training materials aimed at improving safety, productivity and environmental compliance.
Speaking during the official opening of the validation workshop for the updated ASM Training Manual and the Trainers of Trainers Manual in Lusaka on Wednesday, Permanent Secretary Hapenga Kabeta, said the initiative was part of government’s broader strategy to strengthen capacity building and promote responsible mining practices across the country.
Kabeta noted that artisanal and small-scale mining remained a critical component of Zambia’s mining industry, providing employment and income to thousands of citizens, particularly in rural areas.
“This subsector plays a vital role in rural economic development and poverty reduction, and it is imperative that we equip miners with the right knowledge and skills to operate safely and productively,” he said.
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He explained that the validation workshop was designed to review and refine the draft manuals to ensure they were practical, accessible and aligned with government policy objectives.
The process, he added, brought together key stakeholders to contribute expertise and ensure the materials met the needs of miners on the ground.
Adding to the discussion, Danny Musenge, Technical Consultant for Resolve, said the workshop marked a critical step in finalising the training materials.
“Today, we bring these materials back to you for final validation. The programme will walk us through the updated ASM Training Manual, followed by the Trainers of Trainers Manual, with plenary discussions to ensure the content is accurate, practical, and fit for purpose in Zambia,” Musenge said.
He emphasised that stakeholder input would play a direct role in shaping the final documents to be used by government, trainers and miners across the country.
“Your feedback today will directly shape the final documents that government, trainers, and miners will use on the ground,” he said.
Among the expected outcomes of the workshop are a simplified and practical ASM Training Manual for miners, a Trainers of Trainers Manual to support nationwide capacity building, and consolidated stakeholder recommendations to guide the finalisation and adoption of the documents.
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