Melo News | Saturday, April 13, 2024 | Ndola
Michael Kroupnik, the Mining and Processing Director at Kroup Mining, has highlighted the issue of unlawful copper trade and corruption within the artisanal and small-scale mining sector, which has hindered efforts to formalize these activities.
As the head of a copper processing company in Solwezi, Mr. Kroupnik has observed that miners often opt to engage in illegal trade due to the promise of higher prices in the black market, rather than following formal procedures.
Despite recognizing the potential of Zambian artisanal and small-scale miners to boost the country’s GDP and benefit local communities, Mr. Kroupnik points out that they currently lack the necessary technical skills and financial resources to maximize their contributions.
Mr. Kroupnik emphasizes the urgency for Zambia to formalize small-scale mining operations in order to ensure that miners pay taxes and adhere to environmentally sustainable practices, thereby enhancing the national copper output.
However, Mr. Kroupnik acknowledges that the formalization process is being impeded by existing loopholes that need to be addressed promptly in order to move towards a more regulated and transparent mining sector in Zambia.
