By Amos Sikaonga 
By Cecilia Chiluba
Ministry of Information and Media Permanent Secretary says the Ministry of Mines has so far licensed 230 gold mining cooperatives, and 20 artisanal mining cooperatives licensed for other mineral commodities, to promote small scale mining.
Government is constructing two gold marketing centers in Mumbwa and Rufunsa districts at a total cost of K19.2 million, scheduled for completion this year, to support artisanal and small-scale miners access markets.
According to a Facebook post monitored by Money New, Thabo Kawana said this is aimed at increasing Zambian’s participation in the mining sector, growing the Artisanal and Small Scale Miners (ASM) sub-sector, and addressing illegal mining.
“Two trading centers in Mumbwa and Rufunsa are under construction, slated for completion in the first quarter of 2025,” Mr. Kawana said.
He noted that mining remains critical to Zambia’s economy, serving as a major driver of Gross Domestic Product (GDP), exports, and government revenue.
“The sector contributes significantly to national income, provides employment, and attracts both local and foreign investment.”
“Government continues to optimize the economic value extracted from our mineral wealth to the benefit of not only current but also our future generations,” he stated.
Mr. Kawana also highlighted the 2021-2024 Implementation Status of the Government’s Key Policy Reforms in the sector, which include the re-launch of Konkola Copper Mines Plc (KCM) and commissioning of the Kitumba Mine in Mumbwa district, among others.
“To avoid prolonged court battles, an agreement was reached between ZCCM-H and Vedanta Resources to restart Konkola Mine’s production expansion of US$1.3 billion and creating over 2,000 direct and indirect jobs and increasing copper production,” Mr. Kawana added.
He said the Kitumba Mine, which was commissioned in August, 2024, is expected to create 2,500 direct and indirect jobs, producing 50,000 metric tonnes of copper per year.
He added that the construction of a 50-megawatt solar power plant by the mine will bolster the energy sector, thereby contributing to the energy mix agenda.
“For the first time in our country, a copper mine is being opened at Kitumba in Mumbwa District and will create 2,500 jobs,” he added.
Mr. Kawana further indicated that a total of US$2 billion will be invested in the recently commissioned Ming’omba Mine Project in Chililabombwe, creating over 1,000 jobs, while the reopening of Kasenseli Mine in Mwinilunga District, will contribute to formal trading of gold which is one of the strategic minerals.
He also reiterated that the reopening of Kalengwa mine in Mufumbwe District, with an initial investment of US$200 million in production, NorthWestern Province, is expected to create 765 jobs and contribute to the attainment of three million tonnes of copper production by 2031.
Cecilia Chiluba