Ministry of Mines Completes Allocation of 89 Mining Tenements in Kikonge

By Ellen Hambuba

The Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development has today completed the allocation of 89 mining tenements to cooperatives in Kikonge, Mufumbwe District.

This is in a move aimed at increasing local participation in gold mining, creating employment and expanding economic opportunities for surrounding communities.

Minerals Regulation Commission Directorate of Mining and Non-Mining Rights Licensing Manager for Surveying, MULOLWA MULOLWA, says the next stage will involve issuing Standard Operating Procedures to guide the cooperatives and identification cards to their members.

Mr MULOLWA says the measures are intended to promote orderly, accountable and coordinated mining operations.

He has commended the peaceful conduct of the allocation exercise, describing it as an important step towards formalising artisanal and small-scale mining in the area.

Meanwhile, ZCCM-IH Kikonge Gold Mining Project Manager MWANSA MACHAYA says access cards will be issued to regulate entry into the mining area.

Mr MACHAYA says each cooperative will receive 15 access cards, bringing the total to 1,335 for all 89 cooperatives.

He says ZCCM-IH is ready to proceed with the next phase of engagement following the completion of the allocation exercise.

AND Chisaka Chetu Cooperative Society member DORINE CHIFUNDA says the allocation will empower women, create jobs and enable local communities to benefit from gold mining.

Ms CHIFUNDA has however appealed for financial and technical support to help emerging cooperatives acquire mining machinery and other essential equipment needed to begin operations safely.

And Mapanza Chiefdom Cooperative member LOVELY MILAMBO has welcomed the allocation, expressing satisfaction with the tenement awarded to the cooperative.

Mr MILAMBO has also appealed for support towards the acquisition of mining equipment, saying limited financial resources could make it difficult for emerging cooperatives to commence operations.

The completion of the allocation exercise marks a step towards formalising artisanal and small-scale mining in Kikonge, with the next phase expected to focus on regulating access to the mining area and preparing cooperatives to begin operations.