By Cecilia Chiluba,Zambia,Lusaka
Government of the Republic of Zambia, through the cadaster Department, has cancelled 3,000 mining licenses for non-compliance with statutory obligations since 2024.
According to the Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development, the cancellations follow findings that the affected license holders failed to meet the conditions prescribed under the Mines and Minerals Development Act.
Of the licenses cancelled, 1,200 license holders have since appealed against the decision.
Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Dr. Hapenga M. Kabeta, said the move is part of a broader reform programme aimed at strengthening governance, accountability, and transparency in the mining sector, with particular focus on critical minerals such as copper, lithium, manganese, and cobalt.
“The reforms are designed to revitalize the mining industry by prioritizing productive and compliant operations, while streamlining the cadaster database to enhance transparency, efficiency, and effective mineral resource management,” Dr. Kabeta stated.
He further disclosed that the Cadaster Department has commenced a comprehensive clean-up exercise to ensure the accuracy, integrity, and credibility of the national mining register.
“This measure is intended to ensure that only operational and productive mines remain on the national register,” he added.
Meanwhile, Dr. Kabeta reiterated Government’s position that Zambia does not offer preferential treatment to any country or investor, stressing that all investors are treated equally in accordance with existing legislation.
“Zambia’s vision regarding green minerals is to promote sustainable exploration, enhance value addition, and position the country as a reliable global supplier of critical minerals, thereby contributing to improved socio-economic development for its citizens,” he said.
Dr. Kabeta made these remarks when he received a delegation from the Bureau of Economic and Business Affairs of the United States Department of State, led by Programme Manager Evan McGlaughlin.
In his remarks, Mr. McGlaughlin encouraged Zambia to further invest in modern mining technologies to maximize its mineral potential and attract increased investment.
This is according to a statement issued by Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development Principal Public Relations Officer, Kalani Muchima.
