Zambia Allocates 89 Mining Tenements to Cooperatives at Kikonge Gold Mine
Zambia Allocates 89 Gold Mining Tenements at Kikonge to Boost Local Participation
The Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development has completed the allocation of 89 mining tenements to cooperatives at Kikonge Gold Mine in Mufumbwe District, in a move aimed at increasing local participation in gold mining and creating economic opportunities for surrounding communities.
Minerals Regulation Commission Directorate of Mining and Non-Mining Rights Licensing Manager for Surveying Mulolwa Mulolwa said the next stage would involve issuing standard operating procedures to guide the cooperatives, alongside identification cards for their members.
He said the measures were intended to promote orderly, accountable and coordinated mining operations.
Mr Mulolwa also commended the peaceful conduct of the allocation exercise, describing it as an important step towards formalising artisanal and small-scale mining in the area.
Meanwhile, ZCCM-IH Kikonge Gold Mine Project Manager Mwansa Machaya said access cards would be issued to regulate entry into the mining area.
Mr Machaya said each of the 89 cooperatives would receive 15 access cards, bringing the total to 1,335.
He added that ZCCM-IH was ready to proceed with the next phase of engagement following the completion of the allocation exercise.
Chisaka Chetu Cooperative Society member Doreen Chifunda welcomed the allocation, saying it would empower women, create employment and enable local communities to benefit from gold mining.
However, she appealed for financial and technical support to help emerging cooperatives acquire mining machinery and other essential equipment needed to begin operations safely.
Similarly, Mapanza Chiefdom Cooperative member Lovely Milambo expressed satisfaction with the tenement allocated to her cooperative.
Ms Milambo, however, noted that limited financial resources could make it difficult for emerging cooperatives to begin operations without assistance to acquire the necessary mining equipment.
The completion of the allocation exercise marks a key step towards formalising artisanal and small-scale gold mining at Kikonge. The next phase will focus on regulating access to the mining area and preparing the cooperatives to commence operations.
