By CHATULA KANGALI –
THE Ministry of Mines is seeking K5 million to formalise small scale gold mining across the country.
Last year, the  ministry suspended all small scale  gold mining licence  to pave  way  for  clearance  following  increased  illegal mining.
Ministry of mines permanent secretary Paul Chanda said in an interview that the ministry had  applied to the Ministry of Finance for a funding of K5 million.
Mr Chanda said the ministry was currently reviewing the sector before lifting the suspension of small scale good mining licences.
He said the ministry would conduct survey and a geological mapping to ascertain the extent of gold mineralisation in the country.
“Before  we start  giving  people  licences , we want to   know  how much  gold we  have and  where  the mineral  is  located, we have  had  increased illegal mining and   Government   has  not  been benefiting,” he  said.
Mr Chanda said there were some illegal  gold mining activities in Launo, central province, Vubwi and Petauke in Eastern province.
He said Government would not allow players in the sector to illegally mine the mineral.
Mr Chanda said once the funds were allocated, his ministry would  work  with ZCCM Investment Holding(  IH) to  provide  capital and proper market  for small scale gold  miners  in the country.
He said the ministry would train the players on how they could mine the mineral in a safe way without   posing danger to human and the environment.
He said small gold miners in the country were being exploited by international buyers who buy the mineral direct from them.