Zambia Calls on Chiefs to Cut Consent Fees and Limit Cooperative Size to Boost Mineral Exploration
The Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development has urged traditional leaders to adopt a pro-investment approach to mineral exploration in their chiefdoms by avoiding excessive consent fees that could discourage investors.
Permanent Secretary Dr. Hapenga Kabeta told representatives from Planet Gold Zambia that unreasonably high charges for exploration rights undermine national development and deter responsible mining companies from operating in rural areas.
“Traditional leaders are key to attracting investment, but unreasonable financial demands hinder exploration and delay progress. We must work together to ensure communities gain sustainable advantages once mining begins,” Dr. Kabeta said.
Concerns Over Oversized Mining Cooperatives
Dr. Kabeta also warned against the formation of large mining cooperatives in gold-rich areas, noting that artisanal mining licences cover only 6.67 hectares. Cooperatives with hundreds of members, he said, make equitable benefit-sharing unrealistic and often lead to internal disputes.
“Cooperatives must be small enough to allow meaningful beneficiation for all members. Too many members dilute benefits and create unnecessary conflicts,” he stressed.
To address this, the Ministry — in collaboration with Planet Gold Zambia — will introduce a cap on cooperative membership to ensure fair distribution of mining proceeds and promote sustainable operations.
Planet Gold Zambia’s National Project Manager, Abigail Mwailenge, announced that the organisation is developing a financing scheme to help licensed artisanal and small-scale miners purchase equipment.
The initiative aims to increase productivity, formalise the sector, and encourage environmentally and socially responsible mining practices.
