The Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development says it has equipped more than 500 miners from over 300 cooperatives across nine provinces with skills to mine safely, legally and sustainably, culminating in the issuance of official mining licences.
Minister of Mines and Minerals Development, Paul Kabuswe, said the ongoing formalisation of the mining sector was aimed at boosting and promoting mining production in Zambia.
Kabuswe said this during the handover of mining licences and certificates to trained mining cooperatives in Mpika District of Muchinga Province.
“The 20 days training programme in Mpika District of Muchinga Province will promote and regulate the mining sector,” Kabuswe said in a statement issued in Lusaka on Saturday.
He urged individuals still engaged in illegal mining activities to abandon the practice and register as Artisanal and Small-scale Miners.
Kabuswe stressed that illegal miners were often exploited, which was why government was formalising the sector through training programmes aimed at promoting sustainable and safe mining practices.
“We are coming after illegal miners contaminating rivers by using unconventional ways to wash gold,” he said.
The Minister also urged licence holders to safeguard their newly acquired legal status, cautioning them against trading their credentials for short-term gain.
“This programme is a clear demonstration of government’s commitment to moving mining from informality to a structured and safe contributor to national development,” Kabuswe said.
Meanwhile, Muchinga Province Minister, Njavwa Simutowe, said the province was emerging as an important mining frontier, particularly in gold production in areas such as Kanyelele, Kamabwe and Danger Hill.
“The province is demonstrating significant mineral potential, attracting a growing number of Artisanal and Small-scale miners,” Simutowe said.
He acknowledged past challenges including environmental degradation, unsafe mining pits and illegal activities, but said the training programme marked a decisive shift towards a safer future.
“The handover of these certificates and licences is a powerful signal. It signals that our province’s gold will now drive development that benefits our people and protects our land,” Simutowe said.
WARNING! All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express permission from ZAMBIA MONITOR.
