Small-scale miners have been urged to improve management of their firms and begin contributing to Zambia's gross domestic product (GDP).
Mines and Mineral Development Minister, Maxwell Mwale said to move the industry and realise value, it was important that the strategy for mechanised mining was urgently developed and implemented.
There was need to develop a strategy for a successful mining sector which would contribute significantly to GDP and alleviate poverty.
In a speech read on his behalf by Mines Permanent Secretary, Godwin Beene in Lusaka yesterday, Mr Mwale said it was worrying for the Government to note that the majority of miners could not develop nor write a bankable business plan and did not understand finances and marketing strategies.
Miners were unable to establish infrastructure and procure machinery due to poor management skills.
Mr Mwale said as a result, small-scale miners had failed to pay back loans hence owing the Government a huge amount of money.
The minister said there were about 330 small-scale mine licence holders, and 116 gemstone mine licence holders whose business should be making a significant contribution to the treasury.
