Zambian Gov’t Steps Up Fight Against Illegal Mining
President Hakainde Hichilema has reiterated the government’s commitment to tackling illegal and unregulated mining, warning that such practices pose a serious threat to national security and continue to claim preventable lives.
In a statement, the Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development confirmed that efforts are being intensified to ensure mining activities are conducted safely, legally, and for the benefit of all Zambians.
“The Government is committed to promoting organised, safe, and legal mining as the only viable path to sustainable national growth,” the Ministry said.
Providing an update on the formalisation of artisanal and small-scale miners, the Ministry revealed that 1,488 artisanal mining rights have so far been granted. These include 1,176 licences issued to individuals and 312 to mining cooperatives for both gold and non-gold mining.
With an average of 10 members per cooperative, the 312 cooperative licences alone translate to more than 3,000 individuals now operating within the legal framework.
The Ministry said this progress reflects growing Zambian participation in the formal mining sector, describing it as a crucial step towards building a safer, more sustainable, and more prosperous mining industry.
