New Rules Set for Artisanal Mining Fund
The Government is developing a structured access framework to guide artisanal and small-scale mining cooperatives in benefiting from the newly established Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining Fund, the Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development has announced.
Permanent Secretary at the Ministry, Dr Hapenga Kabeta, said the framework is being designed in collaboration with other line ministries to ensure transparency, accountability and sustainability in the utilisation of the fund.
Dr Kabeta explained that the mechanism will enable the recovery of resources allocated to artisanal miners, allowing the fund to operate as a revolving facility that can support more beneficiaries over time.
He said the Government is proceeding cautiously after drawing lessons from previous financing initiatives where resources were misused by some beneficiaries.
“To safeguard this programme, support will not be disbursed in cash. Instead, assistance will be provided directly in the form of mining equipment,” Dr Kabeta said.
He was speaking during a meeting with mining cooperatives in Mpika, following the completion of training for the third cohort of artisanal miners.
Dr Kabeta further disclosed that the demarcation of mining areas is currently underway in Mufumbwe District, North-Western Province, as part of efforts to formalise artisanal mining operations.
He added that access to designated mining areas will be restricted to miners holding official identity cards linked to their National Registration Cards (NRCs), a move aimed at preventing abuse of the programme by unscrupulous individuals.
Meanwhile, Mr Leonard Simwaba, representing Wabonse Multi-Purpose Cooperative, welcomed the Government’s initiative and thanked authorities for the training provided. He said miners are keen to understand the next steps following the completion of the programme.
