CTPD Demands Urgent Action to Fix Zambia’s Small-Scale Mining Sector
The Centre for Trade Policy and Development (CTPD) has called for enhanced implementation of recent policy reforms in Zambia’s artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) sector, citing ongoing structural challenges despite notable progress.
In a policy review, CTPD notes that the sector continues to face long-standing issues such as illegal mining, mineral smuggling, environmental degradation, unsafe working conditions, and limited contributions to public revenue. These challenges, dating back to the 1980s, persist in areas including Kitwe, Mufumbwe, Rufunsa, Mumbwa, and Chingola.
Research Associate for Extractives at CTPD, Stephen Kambani, said Government has made important strides through policy reforms aimed at formalising and strengthening the sector.
He highlighted the Mines and Minerals Regulations Commission Act of 2024 as a key milestone designed to enhance regulatory oversight, improve service delivery, and curb illegal mining and tax evasion. However, he stressed that achieving these objectives will require increased budgetary support to match the growing scale and complexity of mining activities.
Dr Kambani further pointed to the Geological Minerals Development Act No. 2 of 2025, which introduced a dedicated ASM Fund and established a Directorate for Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining.
He noted that while these measures hold strong potential to transform the sector through improved productivity and technical support, their success will depend on sustained financing and institutional capacity.
Dr Kambani also acknowledged Government efforts to formalise ASM operations and establish gold marketing centres, citing international experience from Ghana as evidence that structured reforms, supported by strong enforcement and local market systems, can significantly increase national revenue.
Looking ahead, he emphasised the need to strengthen monitoring and enforcement mechanisms, including the development of a national geospatial mining database, improved inspection systems targeting illegal mining hotspots, and the use of drone technology to enhance surveillance and compliance.
Dr Kambani concluded that while Zambia has made commendable progress in reforming the ASM sector, the long-term success of these policies will depend on effective implementation, adequate resource allocation, and the strategic use of technology to ensure sustainability.
