The Zambian government has launched the third phase of its nationwide training program for artisanal gold miners, with participants from eight provinces gathering in Mpika District.
Speaking at the event, Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development Permanent Secretary Dr. Hapenga Kabeta said the training is a pivotal step in formalizing the sector to enhance safety and drive economic empowerment, in line with the New Dawn Administration’s agenda.
This phase targets 400 mining cooperatives, building on earlier phases where over 400 cooperatives were trained and licensed.
Participants are drawn from Central, Copperbelt, Eastern, Muchinga, North-Western, Western, Southern, and Lusaka Provinces.
Dr. Kabeta emphasized that the training is a direct response to past tragedies in unregulated mining and is supported by the new Geological and Minerals Development Act No. 2 of 2025.
The Act establishes a dedicated Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining Department and a financial ASM Fund to provide miners with capital.
The training curriculum focuses on safe mining practices, environmental protection, business management, and community benefit sharing.
Successful participants will receive certificates and formal mining
licences. Muchinga Province Permanent Secretary Reverend Mathews Chilekwa delivered the keynote speech this morning, on behalf Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development Permanent Secretary Dr.Hapenga Kabeta.