By Doreen Chembe
The Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development says mining cooperatives under the newly established Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining Fund will be provided with equipment rather than cash.
Permanent Secretary Dr. Hapenga Kabeta explained that government has drawn lessons from previous financing programmes where some beneficiaries misused resources, hence the cautious approach with the initiative.
Speaking during a meeting with mining cooperatives who recently completed the third training programme in Mpika, Dr. Kabeta said a mechanism is being designed to ensure funds allocated to artisanal miners are recovered, thereby creating a sustainable revolving fund for the sector.
He further highlighted that the demarcation of mining areas is underway in Mufumbwe, North Western Province. Access to these areas will be restricted to miners holding official identity cards linked to their NRC details, a measure aimed at preventing unscrupulous individuals from exploiting the programme.
This is according to a statement issued to ZNBC News by Ministry of Mines Principal Public Relations Officer Shamwinda Tembo.
