Learning, networking, and innovation; the MADI Zambia Country Office experience
The MADI Zambia Country Office organised a workshop event on Strengthening, Upgrading, and Modernisation of Artisanal and Small-scale Minerals Value Chains in Lusaka Zambia. The workshop which was held at the Taj Pamodzi Hotel on 18th July 2023, turned out to be more than just an event, with an insightful series of pre and post activities to boost the learning experience that marked the inaugural MADI National Workshops.
The MADI team made field visits to Small Mining sites and capitalised on the age-old tradition of folklore in holding discussions with Traditional Elders to have an inclusive discourse and also share solutions that can be provided for the risks and existing problems evident in the minerals sector seen across Africa. Featuring prominently is the Principle Adviser to the Chief, also an Elder in the village, and Leaders of the Mining Community.
The workshop was graced by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Mines and Minerals, Zambia Dr. Hapenga Kabeta who was the Chief Guest. Dr Kabeta showed support of MADI and the initiative to explore areas of development for the ASM sector.
The culmination of the trip was with the exhibiting of an innovation that is guaranteed to counter the rudimentary challenges of the artisanal mining sector. Sam Cooper, the president of McCoy Gold Mines in Oklahoma specially participated in the activities with a grand demonstration of his technology. This features geological mapping of areas to identify where mining can specifically be carried out, which eases the process and saves time, money and manpower for the people involved in artisanal mining.
