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The Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development says it has launched the second phase of its comprehensive training programme for artisanal and small-scale miners in Solwezi and Mufumbwe Districts of North-Western Province, marking a continued push to formalize and professionalize the sector.
According to Ministry Principal Public Relations Officer, Shamwinda Tembo, the 20-day intensive programme will equip over 450 miners with essential skills in safe, efficient, and legal mining operations.
In a statement, Tembo said the training curriculum was designed to enhance professionalism, improve operational standards, and promote responsible mining practices.
“Upon completion, members of participating mining cooperatives will receive certificates of attendance, and in a major step towards formalization, the Ministry will issue them with artisanal mining licences,” he stated.
He further disclosed that the government had earmarked land in the Kikonge area for allocation to the trained miners, providing them with a lawful operating environment.
To deliver the training, Tembo said the Ministry had assembled a multidisciplinary team of about 70 trainers drawn from various institutions to ensure a holistic and practical learning experience.
In keeping with the “whole-of-government” approach, the Ministry of Mines is collaborating with the Ministry of Small and Medium Enterprise Development, Ministry of Labour and Social Security, the Office of the Vice President, the Zambia Revenue Authority, and the North-Western Provincial Administration.
Building on the progress achieved in this cohort, the Ministry had announced plans to extend the training initiative to Mpika District before the end of the year—underscoring its commitment to a nationwide formalisation of artisanal mining.
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