By Anthony Chomba,
Government has announced plans to construct new gold marketing centres across the country before the end of the year, in a move aimed at formalizing the mining sector and enhancing transparency in mineral trading.
Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development Permanent Secretary Hapenga Kabeta says the initiative will create structured and regulated markets where artisanal and small-scale miners can sell their gold through official channels.
Speaking in Lusaka, Dr. Kabeta said districts earmarked for the new centres include Lusangazi, Chisamba, Mpika and an additional facility in Mumbwa, bringing the total number of centres in that district to two.
He noted that the selected locations are areas with high levels of gold mining activity, particularly those affected by illegal mining and unregulated buyers.
Dr. Kabeta added that the move is expected to curb illegal trading, improve price determination and ensure that the country fully benefits from its mineral resources.
