Zambian Govt Reaffirms Support for Sustainable Artisanal Mining in Central Province
Zambia Strengthens Artisanal Mining Regulation as Government Promotes Legal and Sustainable ASM Operations
The Zambian government has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting lawful, organised, and sustainable artisanal mining, as part of broader efforts to formalise the sector and enhance its contribution to national development.
Speaking during a courtesy call by Mercy Zulu, Assistant Director for Policy and Planning at the Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development, Milner Mwanakampwe, Permanent Secretary for Central Province, said the provincial administration will continue working closely with district authorities, traditional leaders, and security agencies to ensure artisanal small-scale miners operate within the law.
Dr. Mwanakampwe emphasized that Artisanal Small-Scale Mining (ASM) must deliver tangible benefits to local communities while safeguarding environmental and social stability.
“The operations of artisanal miners must positively impact community development, environmental protection, social stability, and national economic growth,” he said.
He further commended the Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development for strengthening its institutional capacity to regulate the sector.
According to Dr. Mwanakampwe, initiatives such as the land facilitation programme supported by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office demonstrate the government’s commitment to structured formalisation and responsible mineral resource development.
During the meeting, Ms Zulu revealed that the ministry is currently reviewing its artisanal mining training manual, part of a broader strategy aimed at formalising the sector, improving safety standards, and increasing productivity among small-scale miners.
She explained that the revised framework will help address illegal and unsafe mining practices while ensuring that more mining cooperatives receive proper training and licensing.
“The updated framework will focus on sustainable, responsible, and legal mining operations,” Ms Zulu said, adding that the training guidelines will help artisanal miners transition into formal, tax-compliant, and safer mining activities.
Meanwhile, Steven Bockane, representing RESOLVE, a United States–based institution specialising in resolving environmental, social, and public health challenges, commended the Zambian government for its ongoing efforts to regulate the artisanal mining sector.
He noted that while artisanal mining plays a significant role in supporting livelihoods and generating local economic activity, it must be conducted in a lawful, organised, safe, and environmentally responsible manner.
The collaboration between the government, international partners, and local institutions is expected to strengthen Zambia’s mining sector while promoting sustainable development, improved governance, and greater environmental and social accountability within the artisanal mining industry.
