Government recommits to harnessing minerals for development

Government has recommitted to harnessing Zambia’s mineral resources for national development under President Hakainde Hichilema’s leadership. Muchinga Province Permanent Secretary Reverend Mathews Chilekwa says new mining laws will help to boost exploration and diversify the economy, aligning with the 8th National Development Plan (8NDP). Speaking at a stakeholder meeting in Chinsali yesterday, Reverend Chilekwa highlighted the Minerals Regulation Commission’s role in curbing illegal mining and enhancing traceability of mineral resources.

“Mining is more than an economic activity, it’s a vehicle for poverty reduction, job creation, and national development as these reforms pin point on value addition, local people benefiting, and the integration of Small-Scale Miners into the mainstream economy,” he said. Meanwhile, Ministry of Mines Planner under the Department of Policy and Planning Steven Mutwale said the reforms aim to regulate the sector efficiently, with the Commission handling regulation and monitoring, while the Ministry focuses on policy related issues. Mr Mutwale said the Mines and Minerals Development Act No.11 of 2025 was repealed and replaced by the Minerals Regulation Commission Act No.

2 of 2025 and the Geological and Minerals Development Act. Mr Mutwale added that the Ministry had also developed local content statutory instruments to enhance the participation of Zambians in the mineral value chain in the mining sector. Earlier, the team from the Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development paid a courtesy call on Muchinga Province Permanent Secretary Reverend Mathews Chilekwa at his office.