Govt stakes K2.6m for mineral exploration

GOVERNMENT has allocated over K2.6 million for exploration of rare minerals throughout the country.

Ministry of Mines and Mineral Development Permanent Secretary, Barnaby Mulenga, said K2, 670, 000 would be used for explorations this year.

Mr Mulenga said Government would ensure that areas with minerals were mapped so that they could be exploited for the benefit of the country.

He said in an interview yesterday that the exploration would commence after the rainy season.

Mr Mulenga said Government had secured funds in the 2021 budget to carry out a survey to ascertain level of minerals which can be exploited.

Government, he said, was keen to ensure that more minerals which were not tapped were exploited to generate more revenue.

“The country has various minerals which have not be exploited, therefore, a survey was needed to ensure that the areas with the available minerals were mapped.

“About K2, 670, 000 has been allocated in the 2021 national budget to undertake the exploration of the minerals this year. Government made a decision to ascertain the level of minerals the country has in some areas which have not been mapped,” Mr Mulenga said.

He said that the country had minerals such as zinc, nickel, and oil among others which needed to be exploited.

“So this exercise will begin once the rainy season comes to an end. During rainy season, it is very difficult to undertake explorations,” Mr Mulenga noted.