Mines Ministry says 3,869 licences issued under new digital cadastre system

The Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development has announced that it had issued a total of 3,869 mining licences since January 2024, a milestone achieved through the successful rollout of its fully digital Mining Cadastre System.

Ministry Principal Public Relations Officer, Shamwinda Tembo, said the online platform has transformed the licence management process, enabling investors to apply for and manage mining and exploration licences entirely online.

In a statement issued in Lusaka on Sunday, Tembo said the system provided access to 16 key services, including payment of annual charges, licence amendments, renewals, and transfers.

He added that the digital transformation was a cornerstone of the Ministry’s strategy to enhance operational efficiency, ensure transparency, and attract both foreign and domestic investment.

“The diverse range of 3,869 licences issued includes Large-Scale Mining Licences, Small-Scale Mining Licences, Artisanal Mining Rights, Large-Scale Exploration Licences, Small-Scale Exploration Licences, and Mineral Processing Licences,” Tembo said.

He stated that the shift to a digital-first approach has significantly reduced processing times.

“Applications that previously took up to 90 days are now completed within 30 days, provided all required documentation is submitted,” he said.

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Tembo noted that this improvement strengthened Zambia’s position as a competitive and attractive hub for global mining investment.

He added that the streamlined and transparent system had encouraged greater participation from Zambian investors, with both local and international stakeholders now able to manage their licences and access critical services from anywhere — reducing administrative burdens and operational costs.

“Furthermore, the new system empowers government to enforce regulatory standards more effectively,” Tembo said.

He added that the platform provided efficient tools to monitor licence holders and ensure compliance across the sector.

“As part of this effort, over 2,600 non-compliant licences have been cancelled since December 2023, reinforcing accountability throughout the industry,” Tembo said.

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