PRESIDENT Hakainde Hichilema has pledged full support for Zambia’s artisanal and small-scale miners, emphasising that their welfare is as important as that of large mining companies like First Quantum Minerals (FQM).
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Speaking during the launch of the Kansanshi Mine S3 Expansion Project, President Hichilema said small-scale mining belongs to Zambians and must be done safely and legally.
The Head of State condemned the dangerous mining operations, vowing that no young person should die in unsafe “rat tunnels.”
President Hichilema further issued a firm directive to the Minister of Mines and Minerals Development Paul Kabuswe to prioritise artisanal and small-scale miners, making it clear that small-scale mining must be reserved strictly for Zambian citizens.
He stressed the urgent need to transform illegal miners into legal operators, emphasising that no more lives should be lost in unsafe mining practices.
“Our small-scale miners, Bally loves you and we are thinking about you,” President Hichilema said.
“We must transform illegal miners into legal miners, no more deaths in unsafe mining. We want our young people to mine, but they must do so legally and have access to a proper market for their gold. And please, pay our young people a fair amount, at least give them something decent for their hard work.”
The President instructed that young people be empowered to mine legally and be given access to a reliable market for their gold adding that these miners be paid fairly for their efforts.
In addition, President Hichilema confirmed that the 2026 national budget will include a dedicated line to support artisanal and small-scale mining.
“I have instructed the Minister of Finance [Situmbeko Musokotwane] to include in the budget line for the 2026 national budget to support artisanal and small-scale miners,” President Hichilema added.
By George Musonda
Kalemba August 20, 2025
