Over 1000 mining licences revoked

OVER 1000 mining licenses have been cancelled this year, Mines and Mineral Development minister, Richard Musukwa told parliament yesterday.

Mr Musukwa said that the ministry requires mining firms to submit quarterly and regular reports and that once they are filed, the ministry studies and conducts inspections.

He further said that the ministry has been conducting inspections on mines based on reports submitted and also undertakes inspections in terms of exploitation of resources.

He disclosed that most affected mining firms have been submitting desktop reports which are not conforming with the activities on the group hence the decision to cancel the licenses.

He said that license holders are always encouraged to seek consent with traditional leaders and communicate with other stakeholders before they start their mining activities.

He said that mining license holders are supposed to oblige with the conditions which are stipulated by government.

Community Development Minister Kampamba Mulenga told parliament she was happy with the increase in the allocation to the Social protection program.

Ms Mulenga said that the allocation has been increased from K 1.4 billion in 2020 to K 3.7 billion in 2021 representing a 61 per cent increment adding that this is an effort to uplift the lives of people in society.

She further said that the social cash transfer will also increase from K 90 to K 110 per household.