Processing and Issuance of Mining Licenses in Zambia to Improve
The Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development Permanent Secretary, Dr. Hapenga Monty Kabeta, announced today 12th may that the Mining Cadastre Department has been facing a significant backlog of mining license applications.
The backlog accumulated during an eight-month closure of the Cadastre Office, which aimed to review and streamline its operations, following its reopening in November 2022.
Since resuming operations, the department has received over 2000 applications, which are currently being processed. Dr. Kabeta has assured mining stakeholders that the backlog of mining license applications will be cleared by 31st July 2023.
The Ministry is making every effort to address the backlog, enabling it to concentrate on new applications received after November 2022. To date, approximately 800 applications have been considered by the Mining Licensing Committee, including Small Scale Mining Rights and Artisanal Mining Rights, where citizens participate through companies, community cooperatives, and as individuals.
The success rates for various types of licenses granted so far are as follows: Large-scale Mining Rights (25% application success rate), Large-scale Exploration Licenses (59% application success rate), Small Scale Mining Licenses (21% application success rate), Small Scale Exploration Licenses (61% application success rate), Artisanal Mining Rights (81% application success rate), and Mineral Processing Licenses (63% application success rate). Dr. Kabeta noted a higher rejection rate among small-scale mining applications due to non-compliance with requirements.
Dr. Kabeta highlighted ongoing efforts to improve the Mining Cadastre service delivery systems, aiming to minimize human interfaces throughout the application process.
These improvements will increase transparency and facilitate the application process for individuals residing outside Lusaka. Once fully operationalized, the system will enable online payments and follow-ups. However, a help desk will remain available to address client queries and inquiries.
While the department currently processes applications manually, the Ministry is collaborating with the Smart Zambia Institute to digitize all documents and establish a comprehensive online processing system, including online payments. This digitization initiative will enable clients to apply online, reducing delays and queues.
Looking ahead, Dr. Kabeta announced that stakeholders will be informed of the results of each Mining Licensing Committee meeting. These results will be published on the Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development website, enhancing transparency and enabling necessary follow-ups by applicants.
Dr. Kabeta emphasized that the application process follows an automated first-come, first-served basis. Applicants do not need personal connections within the Ministry for their applications to be prioritized. Instead, Dr. Kabeta urged applicants to submit high-quality applications to reduce the chances of rejection.
He outlined several common reasons for application rejection, including areas subject to other mining rights without valid consents, absence of valid coordinates, lack of applicable mineral resource statements or geological exploration reports, and failure to obtain project approvals from the Zambia Environmental Management Agency.
The Ministry remains committed to serving the public and mining sector stakeholders, guided by its core values of Transparency, Accountability, Integrity, Patriotism, Objectivity, and Innovativeness.
