Q FM Africa's Modern Radio
The Zambia Alternative Mining Indaba (ZAMI) has petition Mines Minister Christopher Yaluma to consider the plight of communities in the development of the Mineral Output Statistical System (MOSES) that is meant is meant to monitor the movement of minerals within and out of Zambia.
ZAMI is a platform for communities, the church, government, Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and Mining Companies aimed at deliberating on real life experiences of the costs and benefits of extractive industries and also discuss solutions to the challenges faced by communities affected by mining activities.
ZAMI Assistant Coordinator Mtwalo Msoni has recommended that government should expedite the legalization of illegal mining activities led by local communities as this has the potential to create employment for community members and generate additional income through taxation for the national treasury.
Mr. Msoni says there is need for government to redefine the provisions of artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) in the Mines and Minerals Development Act of 2015 so as to encompass the current illegal exploitation and trading of minerals.
And Mr. Msoni has asked government to amend the 2015 Mines and Minerals Development Act and support legislation to provide for a Mineral Revenue Sharing Mechanism (MRSM).
And receiving the petition, Mines Minister Christopher Yaluma says the recommendations contained in the ZAMI petition will enrich the minerals bill being drafted by government with a view of increasing benefits within Zambia.
Mr. Yaluma says he shares most if not all concerns raised by the Zambia Alternative Mining Indaba with respect to improving livelihoods in communities that host mining activities.
He has since promised to study the Zambia Alternative Mining Indaba recommendations for inclusion in the mining legislation.