Zambia steps up small-scale mining oversight with new regional fleet

Government has bolstered its supervision of Zambia's artisanal and small-scale mining sector with the deployment of five new vehicles to regional offices, in a move aimed at tightening inspections and supporting the country's copper production targets.

Mines Minister Paul Kabuswe handed over the fleet to the Directorate of Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining, with vehicles allocated to regional offices in Chinsali, Choma, Kabwe, Kasama and Solwezi. The deployment forms part of broader efforts to formalise small-scale operations and bring them within the regulatory remit of the Ministry of Mines.

Mr Kabuswe said the sector held significant potential for job creation and economic growth, and that supporting it was central to reaching the national ambition of producing at least one million tonnes of copper from artisanal and small-scale operators. He argued that Zambia could not fully realise the value of its mineral wealth unless the ministry was properly equipped to carry out its mandate.

The new fleet is expected to support site inspections, compliance monitoring and the registration of informal operators. Officials say improved mobility for field teams will accelerate the formalisation drive, which has long been hampered by limited resources at regional level.