Getting a Mining Licence in Zambia Under the New Mining Law

Mining is the backbone of Zambia's economy, and the rules for getting into it have changed. The Minerals Regulation Commission Act No. 14 of 2024 replaced the Mines and Minerals Development Act of 2015 and created the Minerals Regulation Commission. The Commission now grants, suspends and revokes mining rights and handles licensing, compliance and enforcement, while the Ministry of Mines keeps a policy role.

If you are planning to explore, mine or trade minerals, here is what you need to know.

The main licence types and how long they last

• Exploration licence - an initial 4 years, renewable twice for 3 years each, with at least half of the area given up at each renewal. Small-scale exploration licences are not renewable.
• Artisanal mining licence - 3 years.
• Small-scale mining licence - 10 years.
• Large-scale mining licence - 25 years.
• Mineral processing licence - 25 years, renewable for a similar period.

Renewal applications have deadlines - from three months before expiry for an artisanal licence to a year before expiry for a large-scale licence. Missing them puts your right at risk.

Who can hold which licence

The new law reserves smaller operations for Zambians:

• Artisanal mining is limited to citizens, or co-operatives made up entirely of Zambian citizens.
• Small-scale mining is limited to citizen-owned, citizen-influenced or citizen-empowered companies.
• Mining rights over areas of between 6.68 and 400.8 hectares are reserved for companies with specified levels of Zambian shareholding.
• Large-scale licence applicants must commit to employing and training Zambians and supporting local businesses.

The Mining Local Content Regulations (Statutory Instrument No. 68 of 2025) also require miners to set aside part of their procurement budgets for local companies.

You also need environmental approval

A mining licence on its own is not enough to start work. Exploration, mining and mineral processing all require an environmental impact assessment approved by the Zambia Environmental Management Agency (ZEMA), which issues a decision letter once it is satisfied. Larger operations usually need a full environmental impact statement rather than a shorter project brief. See our guide to Zambia's new EIA regulations for how that process works.

How applications work

Applications are made to the Commission, with regional offices expected to receive applications and forward them to Lusaka. The government has moved from its old FlexiCadastre system to a new online system, which is operating while refinements continue. Because the Commission is new and still becoming fully operational, expect procedures to keep evolving.

Royalties once you produce

Licence holders pay mineral royalty on what they extract. For copper the rate rises with the price per tonne, from 4% of norm value below US$4,000 to 10% above US$7,000. Other minerals have their own rates - for example 6% of gross value for gemstones and 6% of norm value for precious metals.

How Rayema Enterprise helps

Our Mining Support Services team works with prospectors, small-scale miners and investors:

• Advising which licence fits your plans and whether you meet the ownership rules.
• Preparing and following up licence applications and renewals with the Commission.
• Coordinating the environmental assessment ZEMA requires.
• Registering your mining company and keeping it compliant.
• Mineral trading compliance and export permits when you are ready to sell.

Frequently asked questions

Who issues mining licences in Zambia now?

The Minerals Regulation Commission, set up under the Minerals Regulation Commission Act No. 14 of 2024. The Ministry of Mines now focuses on policy.

Can a foreigner get a small-scale mining licence?

Small-scale mining licences are reserved for citizen-owned, citizen-influenced or citizen-empowered companies, and artisanal licences for Zambian citizens and citizen co-operatives. Foreign investors usually participate through large-scale licences or properly structured partnerships.

How long does a large-scale mining licence last?

25 years, with renewal applications due at least a year before expiry.

Do I need ZEMA approval as well as a licence?

Yes. Exploration, mining and processing require an approved environmental impact assessment and a decision letter from ZEMA.

What royalty do I pay on copper?

The rate depends on the copper price, ranging from 4% of norm value below US$4,000 per tonne to 10% above US$7,000 per tonne.

Exploring an opportunity? Request a consultation or WhatsApp us on +260 770 578 280.