(3 minutes read)
· Federation of Small-Scale Miners Association of Zambia (FSSMAZ) has called on Government to develop a strategy for artisan and small-scale mining for the sector
· FSSMAZ president Joseph Mwansa said in a statement said that the sector has potential to contribute to Zambia’s growth but requires immense support from the government
· Reduction of tax on mining machinery for small-scale miners to enable them to improve their productivity, Mwansa suggested, is important since lack of mining equipment is hindering the growth the small-scale miners.
Federation of Small-Scale Miners Association of Zambia (FSSMAZ) has called on the Government to develop a strategy for artisan and small-scale mining for the sector.
FSSMAZ president Joseph Mwansa said in a statement that the sector has potential to contribute to Zambia’s growth but requires immense support from the government. The Government should ensure that mining policies are designed to support the Zambians. The Government should urgently analyze the activities and challenges of the small-scale mining industry so as to develop a strategy that would support its growth. Inclusion of locals in the ownership and development of the small-scale mining industry is also an important suggestion by the association.
Mwansa conceded that the Government has made significant progress in addressing some of its challenges including the reduction in mining-related tax to six percent from 15 percent. However, more has to be done to unlock the potential of artisanal mining.
Reduction of tax on mining machinery for small-scale miners to enable them to improve their productivity, Mwansa suggested, is important since lack of mining equipment is hindering the growth the small-scale miners. The Government should quickly consider providing necessary incentives to support the sub-sector and he proposed the holding of a consultative indaba with all the sector stakeholders with the objective of formulating innovative and tangible solutions that will make the mining industry the foremost driver for economic growth.
