Zambia to Start Issuing Gold Mining Licences in Mufumbwe This Week

The Zambian government is set to begin issuing gold mining licences to residents in Mufumbwe District this week, a move aimed at formalizing small-scale mining and empowering local communities.

Speaking during a ZNBC Sunday Interview in Kitwe, Minister of Mines and Minerals Development Paul Kabuswe announced that the licensing process has been streamlined to promote fair access and community participation. “We’ve restructured cooperatives into smaller units to ensure a transparent and equitable licensing system,” he stated.

The initiative, developed through consultations with traditional leaders and key stakeholders, will also extend to communities in Kasempa, Mufumbwe, and Kikonge, enabling local citizens to legally participate in small-scale gold mining operations.

Kabuswe emphasized that this effort is part of a broader national strategy to integrate artisanal mining into Zambia’s formal economy and drive local development.

National Mineral Mapping Programme to Launch Soon

In a related update, Minister Kabuswe also revealed that the first phase of the National Mineral Mapping Programme is scheduled to launch before the end of 2025. The programme, which includes a high-resolution aerial geophysical mapping survey, is expected to be completed by 2026.

“This smart mapping survey will provide credible geological data to Zambian licence holders, equipping them to engage potential investors from an informed standpoint,” Kabuswe said.

The project is expected to significantly improve transparency in mineral exploration, attract foreign investment, and strengthen investor confidence in Zambia’s mineral resources.

A Boost for Zambia’s Mining Sector

The rollout of gold mining licences and the national mineral mapping project are seen as key steps toward revitalizing Zambia’s mining industry. With better data and community-level empowerment, the government aims to unlock the full potential of its mineral wealth while creating employment and economic opportunities for its citizen.