President Hichilema Calls for Responsible Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining at 2025 ASM Conference
Zambia’s President Hichilema Opens 2025 ASM Conference, Stresses Responsible and Secure Mining
Lusaka, Zambia — President Hakainde Hichilema yesterday 9th September 2025 officially opened the 2025 Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining (ASM) Conference at the Mulungushi Conference Centre, held under the theme “Unlocking ASM Potential for Inclusive and Sustainable Development.”
In his keynote address, President Hichilema reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to promoting responsible and sustainable mining practices while strengthening security in all mining areas.
“No large, medium, or small-scale miner will be permitted to introduce insecurity or criminals into sites such as the Kikonge Gold Mine or any other mining area,” he cautioned.
The President urged artisanal and small-scale miners to conduct gold transactions strictly through formal trading channels. He warned that attempts to smuggle gold—such as concealing it in Ukwa bags at airports—would result in strict legal consequences, including imprisonment.
Addressing recent claims that his administration had allowed mining companies to forgo tax revenue, President Hichilema dismissed the allegations as “misinformed and inaccurate.” He stressed that the Government remains committed to ensuring Zambia benefits fairly from its mineral resources.
Firm Stance on Illegal Mining
Reiterating his administration’s position, President Hichilema emphasized that illegal mining will not be tolerated. He assured stakeholders that decisive actions will be taken to ensure the sector operates transparently, legally, and in a way that benefits both miners and the wider Zambian economy.
The two-day ASM conference has brought together artisanal miners, policymakers, investors, and civil society representatives to deliberate on strategies for unlocking the potential of Zambia’s ASM sector while safeguarding inclusive and sustainable development.
