Zambia: Mining licence process map
What is the process for awarding mining rights in Zambia? What steps must the company and the government follow?
These ‘maps’ present this process as a step-by-step guide. They shed light on a process that is often complex and complicated, making it more transparent.
Mining is an important feature of Zambia’s economy accounting for 10.7 per cent of Gross Domestic Product, contributing to 78.4 per cent of total export value (Zambia EITI Report 2018) and comprising 62 per cent of foreign direct investment (World Bank 2016).
The most prominent minerals mined in Zambia include copper, cobalt, coal, gold, manganese and gemstones, specifically emeralds.
This licence map describes the process of awarding small-scale and large-scale exploration licences as well as artisanal mining, small-scale mining and large-scale mining rights (licences).
This map applies to the process across the country – the mining licence awarding process is centralised. The central government processes and awards all mining exploration and extraction licences. Even though applications may be filed with Mining Cadastre regional/provincial offices; all applications are sent to the Mining Cadastre in the capital Lusaka. Mining companies do consult with local authorities at district level but ultimately licenses are awarded by the national (central) government.
The Ministry of Mines and Mineral Development through the Mining Cadastre is responsible for processing and administering mining licences.
Mineral resource ownership is vested in the President on behalf of the nation regardless of who owns the land or has an interest in the land where minerals are found.
All land can be considered for mining provided written consent is obtained from relevant authorities or representatives or persons. Additionally, this has to be approved by the Zambia Environmental Management Agency. The government specifies the conditions for mining in ‘reserved areas’ in the Mines and Minerals Development Act of 2015. Further, the Mines and Minerals Act of 2015 prescribes how to navigate mining rights vis a vis various surface (land) rights.
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