Mining & Trade News

By Modester Mwalija

Indications on the ground show that the Ministry of Mining is missing its target in implementing its 2022-2027 strategic plan on the aspect of empowering Artisanal and Small-scale Miners (ASMs) who are encountering persistent challenges that threaten their ability to contribute effectively to the country’s economy.

The strategic plan aims to increase investment in the mining and upstream petroleum sector by adopting the Integrated Rural Development 2017 approach, which aims to promote entrepreneurship and environmentally sustainable mining practices among ASMs.

“By the year 2025 targeted ASMs should be trained in mining and value addition and formalized into recognisable cooperatives,” reads part of the plan

However, our investigations show that ASM operators continue to struggle with issues ranging from regulatory barriers to financial limitations, potentially disrupting these efforts.

President of the Federation of Women and Youth in Mining Flore-Annie Kamanga says in an interview that while the strategic plan outlines a clear vision, the implementation process is stumbling due to the complex regulatory environment.

“The current legal framework is not ASM-friendly. The high cost of licenses and the bureaucratic problems make it nearly impossible for small-scale miners to operate legally. This situation forces many ASM operators to work informally, putting them at odds with authorities and limiting their access to formal markets,” she says.

Kamanga also highlights the problem of lack of access to finance which impedes ASMs’ ability to invest in modern equipment and technologies.

“Without adequate financial support, miners are forced to use rudimentary tools that are not only inefficient but also hazardous,” she says.

She says lack of access to established markets is another critical issue as many ASMs frequently face challenges in accessing fair markets and are often exploited by middlemen who offer low prices for their minerals.

Kamanga advocates for better market structures and value addition initiatives, emphasizing that “there should be systems in place to provide real-time market information and support for forming cooperatives to enhance bargaining power.”

Noah Alfred, an artisanal miner, provides a ground-level perspective on the challenges. He dwells on the financial constraints faced by small-scale miners, stating, “The lack of adequate funds for running a small-scale mining operation is a significant barrier. Despite government pursuing strategies like the Agriculture, Tourism and Mining (ATM), ASMs are not fully recognized or supported.”

Alfred also expresses concern over government’s restrictions of ASMs to use heavy machinery, which he believes hinders progress.

“The use of heavy machinery should be allowed as it would enhance productivity and efficiency. Relying on shovels and picks is too primitive and limits growth,” he says.

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