300 mining cooperatives receive artisanal licenses nationwide

The Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development has trained and issued Artisanal licenses to 300 Mining Cooperatives drawn from 9 Provinces of the Country.

Minister of Mines and Minerals Development Paul Kabuswe who handed over mining licences and certificates to the trained Mining cooperatives in Mpika District in Muchinga Province, said the ongoing formalization process in the mining sector was  meant to  boost and promote mining production in Zambia.

Mr Kabuswe said the 20 days training program  in Mpika district of Muchinga Province will promote a regulate the mining sector.

He   has urged those that are still carrying out illegal mining activities to refrain from the vice by getting registered as Artisanal and Small-scale Miners.

He stressed that illegal miners were exploited on a daily basis hence the reason why Government was formalising illegal mining activities through training of Small-scale miners to promote sustainable and safe mining practices.

“We are coming after illegal miners contaminating rivers by using unconventional ways to wash gold,” he said.

He added that Government will come in to actualise value of the gold resource and other resources by promoting safety and health mining practices, at the same time curbing exploitation.

“Am happy that today we are doing the right thing under the Leadership of President Hakainde Hichilema to issue licenses to Artisanal and Small-scale Miners, promoting a proper mining system,” he said.

Meanwhile, Muchinga Province Minister Njavwa Simutowe said Muchinga Province continued to emerge as an important mining frontier, particularly in gold production in Kanyelele, Kamabwe and Danger Hill demonstrating significant mineral potential, attracting a growing number of Artisanal and Small-scale miners.

Mr Simutowe said the training and issuance of Artisanal and Small-scale Mining cooperatives was a great milestone for Muchinga Province to enhance livelihoods of People and enhance responsible management of the natural resources in the Province.

“We acknowledge the economic importance of gold mining in the Province and the challenges that have risen from informal mining operations such as unsafe mining practices, Environmental degradation and illegal operations.

He said the challenges observed in informal mining do not only threaten the safety of miners but also sustainable development for the Province.

Mr Simutowe further said the training of miners in Muchinga Province was a decisive intervention by the Government to address the challenges by formalising mining operations and equipping them with knowledge and skills.

He added that Government was deliberately shifting gold mining in Muchinga Province from short term survival to long term development.

“We want Muchinga Province to be known for safe, legal and community centred mining,” he said.

Speaking during the same event, the Bisa Royal Council Spokesperson Silvario Kangela said the Bisa Royal Establishment was delighted that mining has been formalised in Muchinga Province.

Mr Kangela said training has been done at a great cost which shows how much Government cares for the people of Zambia and further urged the licensed Mining cooperatives to be compliant and operate within the mining regulations.

Speaking in a vote of thanks Bishop Peter Mutale highlighted that granting license Artisanal and Small-scale Miners shows Government’s commitment to create employment opportunities though empowerment such as this one.

Bishop Mutale said the Mining cooperatives that have undergone the training have expressed appreciation to the Government and Traditional Leaders for their support and encouragement throughout the training program.