The Zambia Land Alliance has called for urgent reforms to the law governing the ownership of mineral resources in the country.
Alliance Executive Director, Patrick Musole, said the Mines and Minerals Development Act of 2015, which vests all mineral resources in the President on behalf of the Republic, regardless of who owns the surface land, should be revisited.
Speaking when he featured on Radio Christian Voice’s “Chatback” program today, Mr. Musole described the current legal framework as outdated, saying it stems from colonial-era legislation that no longer reflects modern realities or the interests of Zambians.
“These are archaic laws that must be re-looked at if Zambians are to fully benefit from the land they acquire,” said Mr. Musole.
He emphasized that the long-standing notion of “what is on the surface belongs to the landowner, while what is underground belongs to the government” is no longer sustainable, particularly in residential and community areas where minerals are discovered.
Mr. Musole urged the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources to work in collaboration with the Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development to consider replacing the current law with one that provides for shared benefits between the government and citizens, especially those living in mineral-rich areas.
Angel Kasabo
