Yesterday, Minister of Mines and Minerals Development, Hon. Paul Kabuswe, informed Parliament that between January 2021 and July 2025, a total of 76 artisanal mining licenses were issued in Serenje District. The licenses cover minerals including copper, gold, manganese, quartz, limestone, talc, and iron ore, highlighting the district’s substantial mineral potential.
The announcement followed a request by Mr. Emmanuel Banda, Member of Parliament for Muchinga Constituency, focusing on Government’s efforts to formalise and support the artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) sector.
Hon. Kabuswe reported that the ASM sector has grown considerably in recent years, serving as a vital source of livelihood and contributing significantly to Zambia’s socio-economic development. The Government recognises the sector’s potential to generate revenue, create wealth, and empower communities.
To support growth in the ASM sector, Government has introduced several initiatives: formation of mining cooperatives to formalise operations and enhance collective participation, training miners in basic mining methods, occupational health, safety, and environmental protection, and facilitating access to finance, markets, and mining equipment.
Despite progress, challenges remain, including limited access to geological information, financial constraints, lack of mining equipment and technology, insufficient technical skills, and occupational health and environmental safety concerns. To address these issues, Government has established a dedicated ASM department, facilitated access to finance and equipment, conducted training programs, encouraged cooperative formation, and undertaken high-resolution aerial geophysical surveys.
Hon. Kabuswe also highlighted new legislation replacing the Mines and Minerals Development Act with the Minerals Regulation Commission Act and the Geological and Minerals Development Act. These laws create a supportive legal and institutional framework for the ASM sector.
He emphasised that issuing artisanal mining licenses to youths in Serenje is more than granting mineral rights; it represents an opportunity for empowerment, livelihood improvement, and dignity. Government remains committed to transforming the ASM sector into a sustainable driver of job creation and socio-economic development in Zambia.