Government has launched the Zambia Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining (ASM) Strategy 2025–2029 aimed at transforming the subsector into a formal, productive and sustainable contributor to national development.

Speaking during the launch in Lusaka today, Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development Permanent Secretary Hapenga Kabeta said the strategy provides a unified roadmap to formalise artisanal mining and address challenges affecting the sector.

“This strategy compels us to sing from one hymn sheet so that we pursue one national vision for artisanal and small-scale mining,” Dr Kabeta said.

 Dr Kabeta said government has prioritised formalisation through reforms, including the establishment of the Directorate of Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining under the Geological and Minerals Development Act No. 2 of 2025.

He further noted that government has completed 87.5 percent of the nationwide airborne geophysical survey to provide geological information that will support mineral exploration and investment.

“Execution, execution, execution is what makes the difference. We can have the best documents, but without implementation they will not achieve our objectives,” he said.

Dr Kabeta further urged artisanal miners to keep proper production records, embrace value addition and build stronger partnerships with large-scale mining companies to improve productivity.

Meanwhile, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Resident Representative James Wakiaga, in remarks delivered by Programme Specialist Chali Selisho, described the strategy as a major milestone towards inclusive economic growth, job creation and poverty reduction.

Dr Wakiaga said the strategy provides a practical framework for formalising artisanal mining, promoting safer mining practices, strengthening environmental stewardship and increasing the participation of women and young people.

“UNDP remains fully committed to supporting the Government of Zambia in implementing this strategy and advancing a mining sector that is productive, inclusive, resilient and environmentally responsible,” he said.

He highlighted that UNDP, through the ACP-EU Development Minerals Programme, supported the development of the strategy, the ASM Training Manual and the ASM Digital System, while strengthening the capacity of miners and government institutions.

And Federation of Small-Scale Mining Associations of Zambia President Joseph Mwansa welcomed the strategy, saying it marks the beginning of a new era for more than 600,000 Zambians who depend on artisanal and small-scale mining.

“Formalisation means our miners can finally access finance, reach fair markets, adopt safer technology, protect the environment and add value to what we mine,” Mr Mwansa said.

The strategy is expected to strengthen governance, improve access to finance, technology and markets, promote environmental stewardship and increase the participation of women and young people in Zambia’s mining sector.

LEAVE A REPLY Cancel reply

Hot this week

Zambia mints first two medals at Glasgow 2026 July 31, 2026 0 Team Zambia on Friday secured its first two medals... Columns

The panic is showing – and it isn’t coming from Mundubile July 31, 2026 1 By Moses Kachali There is a pattern worth watching as... General News

Zambia’s Ambassador to China Zyuulu has died July 31, 2026 0 Zambia’s Ambassador to the People's Republic of China, Ivan... Headlines

UPND accuses Mundubile of politicising Solwezi musicians incident July 31, 2026 6 UPND accuses Mundubile of politicising Solwezi incident before police... Sports

Samukonga qualifies for 400m final July 31, 2026 0 Sprinter Muzala Samukonga has qualified for the men’s 400m...

Topics

Zambia mints first two medals at Glasgow 2026 0 Team Zambia on Friday secured its first two medals... Columns

The panic is showing – and it isn’t coming from Mundubile 1 By Moses Kachali There is a pattern worth watching as... General News

Zambia’s Ambassador to China Zyuulu has died 0 Zambia’s Ambassador to the People's Republic of China, Ivan... Headlines

UPND accuses Mundubile of politicising Solwezi musicians incident 6 UPND accuses Mundubile of politicising Solwezi incident before police... Sports

Samukonga qualifies for 400m final 0 Sprinter Muzala Samukonga has qualified for the men’s 400m... Headlines

Mundubile promises ministry of chiefs revival, mineral royalties for traditional leaders 2 Mundubile pledges to restore ministry of chiefs, as Milupi... Headlines

All ballot papers now in Zambia ahead of August 13 polls 1 ECZ completes ballot delivery as final consignment arrives in... Headlines

NGOCC presses police over perceived bias in election violence cases 0 NGOCC urges police impartiality as concerns mount over election...

Related Articles

Zambia’s Ambassador to China Zyuulu has died

Ministries urged to strengthen communication for national development –Kawana General News July 31, 2026

UNICEF donates K2 Million for detection of viral haemorrhagic fevers

KGS supports over 257, 000 vulnerable girls

Local Government showcases CDF Achievements

Popular Categories