HERE ARE THE KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM PRESIDENT HICHILEMA’S ADDRESS AT THE ARTISANAL AND SMALL-SCALE MINING (ASM) CONFERENCE:
• Licensing is mandatory:
All artisanal miners must operate legally with proper licenses, issued transparently and corruption-free, and reserved for Zambians.
• Safety is a priority:
The government will enforce safe mining methods, protect miners from accidents, and prevent environmental degradation, especially of water bodies.
• Formal markets will be established:
Artisanal miners will be linked to structured trading systems to secure fair prices, strengthen the banking system, and stabilize the exchange rate.
• Security is non-negotiable:
Mining areas must not become lawless zones; government will prevent militia-style insecurity seen in Eastern DRC.
• Partnership with large-scale mining:
Artisanal miners are expected to work alongside big operators to help achieve Zambia’s 3 million tonnes copper production target.
• Revenue for development:
Mining income should directly fund schools, hospitals, roads, and social services, unlocking development in remote mining regions.
• Support for women miners:
The President commended women’s resilience and pledged financing and market access through AZWIM and other initiatives.
• Stronger treasury inflows:
Government revenues from mining have grown, with more than $60 million collected from First Quantum Minerals and an increased ZCCM-IH shareholding at 40 percent.
• Revival of dormant mines:
Long-idled sites such as Kalengwa Mine have been revived, while Mopani, Lumwana, KCM, and others are contributing to growth.
• Industry reforms acknowledged:
Stakeholders, including the Federation of Small-Scale Miners Association, welcomed new safety manuals, licenses, and the creation of a dedicated ASM department in the Ministry of Mines.
© Falcon News