Small scale illegal miners encouraged to obtain licenses

United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Development Minerals Coordinator for Zambia Lyapa Manza has encouraged small scale illegal miners to form groups and obtain artisan licenses.

Mr. Manza says the law allows small scale miners to come together and form cooperatives and apply for licenses in development minerals and conduct their mining activities legally.

He points out that sand mining is one issue that small scale miners must consider coming together and obtain artisan licenses so that they can conduct their mining activities in a legalized manner.

And Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development Geologist, Canisius Chishimba says the ministry is sensitizing illegal miners to work within the framework of the law by getting licenses.

Meanwhile, some illegal sand miners talked to by QTV News in Kapopo Village in Chieftainess Mungule’s area have expressed ignorance on the licensing process.

They have said they are not aware of any law that compels them to obtain licenses to be able to operate legally.