Safer, Legal, and Productive Mining for Artisanal Miners
Central Province Permanent Secretary, Milner Mwanakampwe, has reiterated the Zambian Government’s commitment to supporting lawful, organised, and sustainable artisanal mining activities.
Speaking during a courtesy call by Mercy Zulu, Assistant Director for Policy and Planning at the Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development, Dr Mwanakampwe emphasised that the Provincial administration will continue collaborating with district authorities, traditional leaders, and security institutions to ensure that Artisanal Small Miners (ASM) operate within the confines of the law and contribute to the broader public interest.
“The operations of artisanal miners must positively impact community development, environmental protection, social stability, and national economic growth,” Dr Mwanakampwe stated.
He commended the Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development for strengthening its capacity framework, noting that partnerships such as the land facilitation programme, supported by the United Kingdom Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, reinforce the government’s commitment to structured formalisation and sustainable mineral development.
During the meeting, Ms Zulu revealed that the Ministry is reviewing its artisan training manual as part of a wider strategy to formalise the sector, enhance safety standards, and boost productivity.
She explained that the initiative aims to curb illegal and unsafe mining practices, ensuring that more cooperatives are trained and licensed.
“The updated framework will focus on sustainable, responsible, and legal mining operations,” Ms Zulu said, adding that it will guide artisanal miners in transitioning into formal, tax-compliant, and safe operations.
Earlier, Steven Bockane, representing RESOLVE, a US-based institution specialising in mediating environmental, social, and health challenges, commended the government for its efforts to regulate artisanal mining.
He noted that while ASM contributes to local income generation and economic activity, it must be conducted in a lawful, organised, safe, and environmentally responsible manner.
This collaboration between government, international partners, and local institutions is expected to strengthen Zambia’s mining sector while promoting social and environmental responsibility.
