Artisanal and small-scale miners across the country are set to benefit from reduced operational costs following a decision by the Environmental Management Authority (ZEMA) to lower statutory environmental fees.
ZEMA Acting Director General Karen Etondo announced that the maximum fee payable under the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process has been reduced from K1 million to K600,000, easing the financial burden on small-scale mining operators. In addition, the minimum fee for environmental project briefs has been significantly lowered from K17,000 to between K3,000 and K4,000.
Ms. Etondo said the move is intended to encourage more miners to formalize their operations and comply with environmental regulations.“These changes are aimed at encouraging more players to enter the sector and to formalize operations that have been stuck under high costs,” she said.
The revised regulations also introduce grants of no objection and exemptions for low-impact projects. This means that some mining activities may now proceed without undergoing the full EIA process, provided they meet set environmental thresholds.
“It is about creating easier entry points while ensuring we remain compliant with environmental laws,” Etondo added.
ZEMA expects the reduced fees and streamlined regulatory processes to attract more artisanal and small-scale miners into the formal sector, supporting both economic growth and responsible environmental management.
On enforcement, Etondo revealed that in 2025, ZEMA prosecuted four companies for violating environmental laws, collecting fines amounting to K710,000. Notably, none of the prosecuted firms were involved in artisanal or small-scale mining.
She said this reflects improved compliance among small-scale miners and demonstrates growing awareness of environmental protection within the sector.
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