By KENNEDY MUPESENI –
THE Government wants small-scale miners in Zambia to be more organised, for them to attract funding.
Small-scale miners can improve and contribute to the economic development of the country, provided they are focused and organised.

. Yaluma

Mines, Energy and Water Development Minister Christopher Yaluma said that Government had developed the mineral resource development policy to promote the development of small-scale mining.
“We have developed the mineral resource development policy to promote development of small-scale mining, that is why we want small-scale miners to be organised because it is easier for Government and the financial institutions to deal with associations than an individual,” Mr Yaluma said.
He said this at the opening of the Federation of Small-Scale Mining Association of Zambia (FSSNAZ) annual general meeting at Lusaka Hotel in Lusaka yesterday.
“Working together would help miners devise mechanisms to improve marketing of gemstones and that Government was making efforts to improve access to financial support.
Associations should not compete against each other but network to maximise their benefits from the industry.
Government is committed to seeing that the potential of small-scale mining sub-sector is realised. We will be demanding for concrete roadmaps on how you as an association will work with Government and other stakeholders to promote the development of members,” Mr Yaluma said.
The AGM will among other things elect new office bearers and develop a new constitution.
Out-going association president Marc Kalemba said in his opening remarks that coming up with a new constitution would enhance credibility in the organisation.
The organisation was ready to assist Government collect more revenue by formalising most of the operations in the sub-sector unlike the current scenario where members sold minerals on unregulated market.