Zambia Launches New Minerals Regulation Commission to Reform Mining Sector
Zambia Establishes New Minerals Regulation Commission to Overhaul Mining Licensing, Safety, and Environmental Oversight
The Government of Zambia has officially launched the Minerals Regulation Commission (MRC), marking one of the most significant institutional reforms within the Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development in recent years.
According to a statement by Ministry Principal Public Relations Manager Shamwinda Tembo, the MRC—established through an Act of Parliament—will function as an independent statutory body responsible for regulating the country’s mining sector.
The Commission will assume several core responsibilities previously carried out by the Ministry, a shift aimed at improving efficiency, transparency, and enforcement.
The newly formed Commission will be led by a Director General and supported by a workforce of more than 200 personnel. Two key units—the Mine Safety Department and the Mining Cadastre Department—will now operate under the MRC, giving the Commission full authority over matters of mining rights administration, occupational safety, environmental compliance, and operational monitoring.
As part of the broader restructuring, the Ministry has also created two specialized departments:
the Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining Department, and
the Large-Scale Mining and Mineral Investment Promotion Department.
These units will complement the long-standing Geological Survey Department and are expected to enhance targeted support across different segments of the mining industry.
To improve accessibility and service delivery, the Ministry plans to decentralize operations by establishing regional offices throughout the country. Officials confirm that office space and essential equipment for the MRC have already been secured, enabling a smooth transition into full operation.
Government representatives describe the new structure as a critical step towards strengthening mineral governance, improving regulatory oversight, and fostering a safer and more sustainable mining sector in Zambia.
