Empower small-scale gemstone miners, HH urged
By Ludia Ngwadzai
THE Emerald and Semi-Precious Stones Mining Association of Zambia (ESMAZ) says government should extend greater support to the country’s small-scale gemstone mining sector.
In a statement issued yesterday, ESMAZ president Victor Kalesha said the association was optimistic that President Hakainde Hichilema’s second term would provide an opportunity for government to embrace and empower small-scale gemstone miners, enabling them to increase production and contribute meaningfully to the national revenue basket.
“The small-scale gemstone sector yearns for empowerment so that we can start contributing meaningfully to the national coffers as we scale production. We should not be left behind in this journey of progress,” Kalesha said.
He urged Hichilema to promote inclusivity and national unity during his second term.
Kalesha said ESMAZ was encouraged by the support being extended to the gold artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) sector.
“We applaud the support the gold ASM sector is currently receiving from government under the Ministry of Mines. We appeal that the same level of progress be equally matched to us as gemstone miners,” he said.
He also appealed to Hichilema to grant ESMAZ an opportunity to present its concerns directly to him and outline the potential of the small-scale gemstone sector.
“Mr President, we humbly ask for an audience to market ourselves so that you can market us as our Chief Marketing Officer,” he said.
Kalesha expressed optimism that the association would receive greater attention during Hichilema’s second term.
He said his association had been unable to meet Hichilema during the previous term.
“We are optimistic that this time around you will embrace us and listen to us, unlike in the last term where we were blocked from meeting,” Kalesha said.
He said empowering small-scale gemstone miners would enable the sector to scale up production and unlock greater economic benefits from Zambia’s emerald and semi-precious stones industry.
Kalesha urged stakeholders to uphold dialogue, transparency and peaceful engagement as the country moves beyond the elections.
He said such an approach would strengthen public confidence in national institutions, consolidate Zambia’s democracy and create an environment conducive to investment and growth in the mining sector.
“We look forward to working with your government to unlock the full potential of Zambia’s emerald and semi-precious stones sub-sector,” he said.
