Stakeholders Call for Decentralization of Mining License Issuance

By Respite Kaoma

Stakeholders in the extractive sector have urged government to decentralize the issuance of mining licenses for small-scale miners to enhance accessibility and curb corruption.  

Women in Extractive Industry Trade and Value Addition Chairperson, Pauline Mundia, has criticized the current system, which requires all licensing processes to be handled in Lusaka, describing it as a major barrier to the growth of small-scale mining operations.  

Speaking at the Anti-Corruption Conference in Kitwe, Ms. Mundia said the centralized approach not only delays service delivery but also fosters corruption as frustrated applicants become susceptible to shortcuts.  

She called on the Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development to establish regional offices nationwide to improve efficiency and ensure equitable access to mining licenses.