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Mining regulator key to ensuring sanity in sector’
THE establishment of a regulator for the mining sector is critical to ensure accountability, transparency, and sanity in one of the country’s most economically vital industries, says Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) Commissioner General Dingani Banda.
Mr Banda, speaking during a Tax Symposium for Non-State Actors held in Lusaka in collaboration with the Centre for Trade Policy and Development (CTPD) said Government had enacted the Mineral Regulation Commission Act and was in the process of forming the regulatory body.
“There are over 2, 500 mineral licence holders in Zambia, yet only about seven are actively contributing. This clearly indicates a major gap in monitoring and enforcement,” he said.
“Having a regulator in place is part of strengthening the governance system. We need to know who holds which licence, what they’re producing, and how they’re accounting for the minerals.”
He said ZRA had been advocating for a regulatory authority for several years.
“It takes courage from government to say ‘let’s have a regulator.’ But it is necessary if we want sanity and accountability in the sector,” Mr Banda said.
“The President has signed the Act, and we are now in the process of implementing it. This is a milestone for the country,” he said.
Mr Banda also pointed out the past challenges in monitoring mineral exports, recalling that mining companies used to submit export declarations on paper.
This practice prompted the creation of the Mineral Output Statistical Evaluation System (MOSES), an automated system that tracks export permits and quantities.
“With MOSES, if a permit is issued for 100, 000 tonnes, every shipment reduces the balance automatically. It’s an effective way to prevent permit abuse,” he explained.
In addition to legislative reforms, Mr Banda said ZRA remained committed to modernising tax administration, citing the introduction of a data-driven New Operating Model aligned with its 2022–2026 Corporate Strategic Plan.
CTPD vice board chairperson Brian Mwiinga praised the initiative, stressing the importance of domestic revenue mobilisation in reducing dependency on external financing.
“Tax is more than a revenue tool, it’s a social contract. It allows Government to deliver essential services and build infrastructure, which is why domestic resource mobilisation is not just an economic issue but also a matter of governance and justice,” Mr Mwiinga said.
