By JUDITH NAMUTOWE –
MOST small-scale miners in the country lack financial capacity, technical knowhow and specialised knowledge on gemstone mining, the government has said.
Mines, Energy and Water Development Permanent Secretary Paul Chanda said the situation calls for foreign investors to partner with local people and help develop gemstone mines.
Mr Chanda said it was imperative that foreign investors coming into the country partnered with local investors to develop the emerald sector.
He said foreign investors should consider partnering with local investors especially small scale miners to develop the emerald industry.
Mr Chanda said the Government in collaboration with Kagem Emerald Mine which already has a marketing system on the Copperbelt, can find further market.
He said the Government which had created a data base for all small scale miners in the country, was currently making assessment to find out how much would be needed to form cooperatives.
Sometime last year, the Government budgeted for over K100 million for the small scale miners revolving fund aimed at fostering active involvement of ordinary Zambians in mining.
The revolving fund for the mining sector was aimed at providing loans for the purchase of equipment.
The Government had planned to partner with various international governments and financiers to provide loans for equipments and capacity building to the small scale miners.
