President Hakainde Hichilema has urged the Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development to ensure there is no corruption in the issuance of licenses to artisanal and small-scale miners, stating that citizens must be given fair access to licenses.
The head of state says there must be an efficient licensing system for Zambians, noting that since the UPND Government came into power, over 1,400 licenses have been issued to small-scale miners.
The president has further urged artisanal and small-scale miners to understand that it is the responsibility of the Minister of Mines and Minerals Development to grant them licenses when they apply.
He has stressed that the Government is prioritising the legalisation of artisanal and small-scale mining to ensure the sector contributes meaningfully to Zambia’s economic growth and to the well-being of miners.
By Best Jere
