Minerals Exploration Done

GOVERNMENT has completed the aerial geophysical smart mapping survey of Zone A, comprising largely North Western, Western and parts of Copperbelt provinces. 

The first-ever country-wide survey will advance Zambia’s mineral exploration efforts and help the country achieve President Hakainde Hichilema’s target of producing three million tons of copper annually by 2031. 

Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development Permanent Secretary Hapenga Kabeta said in an interview that Government has divided the country into four zones and that Zone A has effectively been flown over. 

“Next up starting this month is Zone B encompassing parts of the Copperbelt, Luapula and Central provinces. Zone C covers Northern, parts of Luapula, Muchinga and parts of Central and Lusaka provinces. Zone D covers parts of Muchinga and Eastern provinces,” he said. 

Dr Kabeta said Government will next year be dealing with the remaining zones, which will be concluded before it ends. 

He said Government is championing safe legal mining activities and formal trade of minerals in a secured environment to reduce the levels of illegality in the mining sector.