Mines PS Heads to Mufumbwe as Government Pushes Small-Scale Mining Development

MUFUMBWE — Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development Permanent Secretary Dr. Hapenga Kabeta is expected in Mufumbwe District, North-Western Province, from September 13 to 14, 2026, for stakeholder engagements aimed at addressing issues affecting the mining sector.

The engagements will provide an opportunity for the Ministry to interact with local stakeholders, hear their concerns and discuss matters relating to mining and minerals development in the district.

The visit comes as Government moves to increase the participation of small-scale miners in the formal mining sector.

In March this year, Government announced plans to allocate mining tenements to small-scale miners at Kikonge Mine in Mufumbwe, as part of efforts to promote participation in the sector. 

Mufumbwe's mining potential has also attracted attention through developments in gold mining. ZCCM Investments Holdings and Mining Mineral Resources established Kyalo Goldfields Limited, a joint venture aimed at exploring and mining gold in the Kikonge Mining Area.

The venture is expected to help formalise artisanal and small-scale gold mining, promote safer mining practices and establish gold-processing infrastructure. 

Dr. Kabeta's engagement with stakeholders is therefore expected to provide a platform for local miners and other stakeholders to raise concerns and discuss opportunities for responsible mining and minerals development.

The engagements are part of Government's wider efforts to expand investment, production and local participation in Zambia's mining industry.