GOVT WARNS INDIVIDUALS OBTAINING MINING LICENSES WITH A VIEW TO SELLING THEM

By Chileshe Mwango

Mines and Minerals Development Minister Paul Kabuswe has warned people that are obtaining mining licenses with a view to selling them saying government will not condone such actions.

Speaking when he opened the stakeholder consultation meeting on the development of the new mineral resources development policy in Lusaka today, Mr. Kabuswe says people should consider partnering with those with the right mining capacity than selling their mining licenses.

Mr. Kabuswe says government is ambitious and wants artisanal miners to contribute immensely to the country’s economy just as the small scale farmers have done to their sector.

He has however

noted that this is proving to be a challenge because people get licenses to resale or use them for speculations but added that time has come for such activities to end.

Mr. Kabuswe has also challenged various stakeholders to make submissions to the ongoing consultations so that the country can start benefiting from the mineral wealth it is endowed with.

At the same event, Center for Trade Policy and Development Head of Research Boyd Muleya has advised government to ensure the new mineral resources development policy is in line with the SADC mining protocol and the African mining provision.

PHOENIX NEW