The Government, through the Mining Cadastre Department, has cancelled 3,000 mining licences for non-compliance with statutory obligations since 2024.
The cancellations follow findings that the affected licence holders failed to meet the conditions prescribed under the Mines and Minerals Development Act. Of the licences cancelled, 1,200 holders have since appealed the decision.
Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development Permanent Secretary, Dr. Hapenga M. Kabeta, says the move is part of a broader reform programme aimed at strengthening governance, accountability, and transparency in the mining sector, with particular focus on critical minerals such as copper, lithium, manganese, and cobalt.
Dr. Kabeta says the reforms are intended to revitalise the mining industry by prioritising productive and compliant operations, while streamlining the cadastre database to enhance transparency, efficiency, and effective mineral resource management.
He further disclosed that the Cadastre Department has commenced a comprehensive clean-up exercise to ensure the accuracy, integrity, and credibility of the national mining register.
By Rachel Mumba
