THE Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development has set an output target for Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining sub-sector to contribute 100,000 metric tonnes of copper in 2026.

Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development Permanent Secretary, Hapenga Kabeta says for this to happen there is need for transparency as well as formal trading for government through the Zambia Revenue Authority to collect necessary taxes from the sub-sector.

Dr Kabeta underscored the importance of actualising a standardised overall mining sector to achieve structure and reference tools in the mining sector.

He was speaking during the validation workshop for the updated Artisanal Small-Scale Mining (ASM) Training Manual as well as a Trainer of Trainers’ Manual Workshop which attracted various stakeholders from the ASM among other sectors.

“Once finalised, these manuals will serve as powerful tools to improve productivity, ensure compliance with regulations, and support the sector’s formalisation,” he added.

And the Ministry’s Director for Policy and Small-Scale Mining, Tobias Musonda noted that as part of the development process, the development of the two training manuals was facilitated by RESOLVE, a consultancy firm engaged by the land facility programme in collaboration with the Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development.