Mining and Non Mining Rights

A Small-Scale Exploration License allows a company to search for minerals and define a resource before committing to full-scale mining.

Who Can Apply?

The small scale Exploration Rights are only granted to companies with minimum 5% Zambian shareholding.

Requirements 

1. Duly completed Form I with geographical coordinates of the area of interest which should fit the predefined cadastral grid as per form I.
2. Proposed programme of Exploration operations (Should include an estimate of the investment commitment in the approved format.
3. Proposals for employment and training of citizens of Zambia.
4. Proposal for promotion of local business development.
5. Valid Tax clearance certificate (Issued under Income Tax Act Cap 323)
6. Proof of consent from appropriate authorities if activity is in a national park or game management area.
7. Environmental commitment plan
8. Articles of association.
9. Certificate of incorporation, certificate of share capital.
10. NRC/ Passport copy (ies) for all Shareholders

Fees & Processing Time

A Small-Scale Exploration License allows a company to search for minerals and define a resource before committing to full-scale mining.

Who Can Apply?

The small scale Mining Rights are only granted to companies with minimum 5% Zambian shareholding.

Requirements

1. Duly completed Form I with geographical coordinates of the area of interest which should fit the predefined cadastral grid
2. Copy of relevant prospecting permits and prospecting reports.
3. Proposed programme for mining operations (Should include forecast of capital investment, the estimated recovery rate of ore and mineral products, and the proposed treatment and disposal of ore and minerals recovered)
4. Description of the mineral deposit in the area over which the License is sought.
5. Statement of duration for which license is sought (should not exceed 10 years).
6. Valid Tax clearance certificate (Issued under Income Tax Act Cap 323).
7. Approved Environmental Project Brief (EBP from ZEMA).
8. Proposals for employment and training of citizens of Zambia.
9. Proposals for promotion of local business development.
10. Pegging Certificate.

Fees & Processing Time

A Large-Scale Exploration License (LEL) allows a company to carry out extensive prospecting operations across vast areas to identify and define mineral resources.

Who Can Apply?

Registered Limited Companies.

Requirements

1. Duly completed Form I with geographical coordinates of the area of interest which should fit the predefined cadastral grid as per form I.
2. Proposed programme of Exploration operations (Should include an estimate of the investment commitment in the approved format.
3. Proposals for employment and training of citizens of Zambia.
4. Proposal for promotion of local business development.
5. Valid Tax clearance certificate (Issued under Income Tax Act Cap 323)
6. Proof of consent from appropriate authorities if activity is in a national park or game management area.
7. Environmental commitment plan.
8. Articles of association.
9. Certificate of incorporation, certificate of share capital.
10. NRC/ Passport copy (ies) for all Shareholders
11. Program of intended mining operations (should include proposals for the proper conservation and use of mineral resources in mining area in the national interest)
12. Any other information which the Commission may require.

Fees & Processing Time

A Large-Scale Mining License (LML) is the definitive authorization for industrial-grade mining operations in Zambia. This license transitions a project from exploration to active extraction, requiring high-level technical evidence, environmental clearance, and a robust commitment to national interests.

Who Can Apply?

Limited companies

Requirements

1. Duly completed Form I with geographical coordinates of the area of interest which should fit the predefined cadastral grid.
2. A Compressive Statement of the Mineral Deposits in the area over which the License is sought (Should include details of all known minerals proved, estimated or inferred, ore resources and mining conditions).
3. Feasibility Study for Mining Operations (Should include forecast of capital investment, the estimated recovery rate of ore and mineral products, and the proposed treatment and disposal of ore and minerals recovered).
4. Approved Environmental Impact Statement (EIA from ZEMA).
5. Details of expected infrastructure requirements.
6. Proposals for employment and training of citizens of Zambia.
7. Proposals for promotion of local business development.
8. Detailed geographical report on the Area’
9. Pegging Certificate.
10. Valid Tax clearance certificate (Issued under Income Tax Act Cap 323).
11. Plan of Proposed Mining Area.
12. In the case of Gemstones, a Plan for Cutting, Polishing and Faceting of Gemstones in Zambia.
13. Statement of duration for which License is sought (should not exceed 25 years).
14. Articles of Association, Certificate of Incorporation, Certificate of Share Capital.
15. NRC/ Passport copy (ies) for all Shareholders.
16. Any other information which the Commission may require.

Fees & Processing Time

A Mineral Processing License is a non-mining right that authorizes the holder to treat, smelt, refine, or otherwise process minerals to create higher-value products.

Who Can Apply?

Registered Limited Companies.

Requirements

1. Duly completed Form I with geographical coordinates of the area of interest which should fit the predefined cadastral grid as per form I.
2. Description and Plan of Surrounding Developments.
3. Feasibility Study for Processing Operations (Should include a forecast of capital Investment, Proposed Plant Capacity, the Estimated Recovery rate of Mineral Products and the Proposed Treatment Methods and disposal of Ore and Minerals Recovered).
4. Environmental Management Plan (Should Include Proposals for the Prevention of Pollution, Treatment of Waste, Protection and Reclamation of land and Water Resources and for Eliminating or Minimizing Adverse effects on the Environment)
5. Details of Expected Infrastructure Requirements.
6. Proposals for employment and training of citizens of Zambia during the renewal period.
7. Valid Tax clearance certificate (Issued under Income Tax Act Cap 323).
8. Documentation on Title to Land or Written Consent of Legal Occupier of Land.
9. Consent from existing Mining Rights Holder if the area over a Mining Right Holder.
10. Articles of association.
11. Certificate of incorporation, certificate of share capital.
12. NRC/ Passport copy (ies) for all Shareholders

Fees & Processing Time