By  Melody Mwala

Mines Minister Paul Kabuswe says Government would continue to formalize Artisanal and Small-Scale mining to create livelihoods and promote responsible mining practices.

Speaking during the 2025 Zambia Mining and Investment Insaka (ZAMII) being held at Mulungushi International Conference Center in Lusaka, Kabuswe said Government would also continue to expand geological mapping and exploration to open new mining frontiers.

Kabuswe said the aim was promote benefication and value addition to ensure minerals contribute more to national wealth.

The Minister said Zambia was building a transparent, sustainable and inclusive mining sector aimed at increasing Copper production to 3 million tones by 2031.

And Kabuswe said with the One million target of Copper productin already in sight, the S3 expansion at First Quantum Minerals and the drilling currently going on at Ming’omba Mine in Chililabombwe will produce Two million tones and help the country achieve the 3 million production target.

He said the mapping exercise government has embarked on is the first in 50 years and is aimed at developing the mining industry.

The Minister also urged mining companies to ensure they trained more artisans to avoid the looming shortage of this kind of human resource which is likely to be poached by foreign countries in the near future.

He also brushed off assertions that the gold marketing centers would remain white elephants once established.

Meanwhile, ZCCM-IH Chief Executive Officer Kakenewa Muyangwa said training programs for Artisanal mining will be rolled out to Rufunsa and other areas in collaboration with the ministry of Mines.