A total of 962 small-scale mining licence holders risk losing their permits due to various regulatory breaches, according to the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources.
The sector minister has issued a two-week ultimatum for the affected miners to rectify the irregularities or face revocation of their licences.
The move forms part of the government’s efforts to sanitise the small-scale mining sector and ensure adherence to environmental and operational standards.
Officials say the irregularities range from failure to renew licences and non-compliance with reporting requirements to operating outside designated concession areas.
The ultimatum signals a tougher stance from the Ministry, which has faced mounting pressure to clamp down on illegal and irresponsible mining activities contributing to environmental degradation and water pollution.
The Minister emphasised that only miners who regularise their operations within the stipulated period will retain their licences, warning that defaulters will be removed from the national registry of legal small-scale miners.
