‘MINES WILL REBOUND’

THE dwindling mining sector will rebound due to the programmes Government is undertaking to ensure that the operations of mines are enhanced, the Small-Scale Miners Association of Zambia has said.

The association’s president, Mr Kunda Chani, said the artisanal and small- scale miners faced numerous challenges especially during the Covid-19 period to undertake mining activities and help from Government was a relief.

Mr Chani, was reacting to the K730, 000 grant which has been set aside by Government and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) for artisanal and small-scale miners. He said the funds would play a critical role to miners in their operations.

He said in an interview yesterday that as mining was critical to the country's economy, it was important that operations were not halted in any way as it can negatively affect the economy.

Mr Chani said what Government had done was a step in the right direction, and urged other stakeholders to help the miners who were adversely affected during this period.

He also urged the banks to allow small-scale miners to access soft loans for them to improve their operations.

"The grant might look small but it will help small- scale miners who are suffering out there, and as an association any intervention meant to preserve the industry is a very welcome move.

I think we would want to call upon other players to emulate this particular move which has been undertaken. They should come on board and provide other facilities ranging from grants, possible flexible loans and other facilities which will keep the industry afloat”.

He assured the members that once the funds were given to the association they would shared accordingly.