Govt reiterates commitment to formalizing artisanal, small-scale mining; sets rules

The Zambian government has reportedly taken a proactive approach towards the formalization of artisanal and small-scale mining in the country.

Minister of Small and Medium Enterprise Development, Elias Mubanga, said this was in line with President Hakainde Hichilema’s vision of empowering local small-scale miners and contributing to Zambia’s economic growth.

Mubanga said this when he toured Danger Hill Mine in Shiwang’andu district, which is run by Mukumbi Trust Cooperative, according to a statement issued in Lusaka on Sunday by Ministry Principal Public Relations Officer, Virginia Chilongo.

The visit by Mubanga follows the directive by President Hakainde Hichilema for the immediate adoption of formalized mining.

“The Ministry is in charge of registering and regulating cooperatives throughout the country. Once duly registered as cooperatives, the artisanal and small-scale miners can then apply for mining licenses,” he said.

The Minister emphasized the transformative potential of formalizing artisanal mining, encouraging cooperative members to uphold professionalism and safety standards.

Mubanga further directed local leadership to ensure that children at the mine return to school, especially with government provision of free education.

“There are only four rules for anyone to undertake mining in Zambia. These are safe mining, legal mining, formal trading market and security. If we find that you are operating a mine without these rules, even if you have a licence, we will shut down your operations,” he said.

During his address to people he found carrying out various activities at the mine, the Minister assured them that government was engaging the Bank of Zambia to implement regulations that will ensure fair value for their resources.

“We are doing this to ensure that you are not exploited by gold buyers and that the government also benefits through revenue tax,” Mubanga said.

He underscored government’s broader strategy to promote entrepreneurship and economic diversification through cooperative formations and support for artisanal and small-scale mining.

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