GOVERNMENT TO ISSUE 800 MINING LICENCES THIS YEAR

More than 800 mining licences will be issued this year due to constant growth in the Zambian economy and the surging mineral prices, the Ministry of Mines and Mineral Development has said.
As at September 5, 2011, the ministry had granted 1,387 small and large scale mining licences.
According to the state media, Director of Mines, Billy Chewe has said an increase in the number of mining licenses was a result of the good economic policies.
Mr Chewe says the attractive copper prices had also contributed to the growth in the mining activities in the country.
He has explained that the growth in the number of licenses were expected to push up the mining activities and that a total of 800 mining licenses were currently being considered. Adding that about 55 mining licences were issued out for large scale mining operations.
He has further said with regard to the period under review, the Government granted 552 prospecting large scale licenses which would enable the investor’s carryout exploration works.
Mr Chewe has also said two mineral processing licenses were issued and 197 small scale gemstone mining licenses were also granted for mining activities.
He has added that because of more investment in the mining industry, the Government had given out 48 artisans mining rights which give the right to local people to mine on an artisanal basis in an area not exceeding five hectares, for a period of two years non-renewable.
Mr Chewe has said for large scale gemstone, nine licenses were issued which allows the holders to carry out mining operations over an area, not exceeding 400 hectares for a period of not more than 10 years.
He has added that in an effort to empower the local people, the ministry had given out approximately 320 small scale mining licenses and this relate to areas not exceeding 400 hectares and have a duration of 10 years renewable.
He has also elaborated that for small scale prospecting licenses about 204 were granted as at September 5, 2011 however government would continue to cancel licenses that fail to comply with the mines and minerals act.