ASM Enterprise Eligibility Criteria
Everything you need to know about qualifying for the eMiner Project — requirements, preferred criteria, and how to apply.
Project Overview
The eMiner Project is a transformative 15-month initiative designed to formalize, capacitate, and integrate 100 Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining (ASM) enterprises in Northwestern Province, Zambia, into sustainable and responsible mining value chains.
Project Goals:
- Formalize 100 ASM enterprises through PACRA registration, ZEMA compliance, and SHE standards
- Build business capacity using the GrowthWheel 8-pillar methodology
- Create market linkages with large-scale mining companies and buyers
- Promote Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) best practices
- Facilitate access to green finance and circular economy opportunities
- Empower youth, women, and vulnerable groups in the mining sector
Strategic Partners: Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development, Zambia Development Agency (ZDA), Mopani Copper Mines, First Quantum Minerals (FQM), Kroup Mining
Implementer: Jacaranda Hub in partnership with key government and private sector stakeholders
Target Allocation
The eMiner Project will select 100 ASM enterprises across four categories to ensure diversity, inclusion, and maximum impact:
| Enterprise Category | Slots |
|---|---|
| Mining Cooperatives | 5 cooperatives |
| Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) | 30 enterprises |
| Startups | 20 enterprises |
| Small & Medium Enterprises (SMEs) | 10 enterprises |
| TOTAL | 100 enterprises |
Mandatory Requirements
All applicants MUST meet the following requirements to be considered for the eMiner Project:
1. Geographic & Activity Requirements
Northwestern Province Location: Mining site and primary operations must be located within Northwestern Province boundaries (all 11 districts eligible: Solwezi, Mwinilunga, Mufumbwe, Kabompo, Kasempa, Zambezi, Chavuma, Ikelenge, Kalumbila, Mushindamo, Lumwana)
Legal Mining Activities: Engaged in permitted mining activities (gold, copper, gemstones, manganese, or other authorized minerals)
Site Accessibility: Mining site can be verified by eMiner team through field visits
Program Participation: Willing to participate in project activities in local districts and occasionally in Solwezi
2. Legal & Compliance Status
Mining License (REQUIRED): Must have Artisanal Mining License OR Small-Scale Mining License. If license not yet obtained, must provide proof of application in-process (application receipt, correspondence with Ministry of Mines, evidence of fees paid, acknowledgment letter). Applicants with NO license application started will NOT be considered.
Geological Report (REQUIRED): Must have geological report or site assessment documentation showing mineral types, estimated reserves, GPS coordinates, and basic geological characteristics. Acceptable: formal report by licensed geologist (preferred), informal assessment by experienced technical person (acceptable), or commitment to obtain formal assessment within 3 months with basic site documentation (minimum).
No Child Labor: No involvement in child labor (under 18 in hazardous work) — comply with ILO conventions and Zambian Employment Act
No Forced Labor: No involvement in forced labor or human trafficking
Formalization Commitment: Agree to work toward PACRA registration, ZEMA compliance, and SHE standards
Legal Compliance: Commitment to obtaining necessary licenses and permits under Zambian mining laws
Clean Criminal Record: No serious criminal convictions related to mining (violence, major theft, environmental crimes)
No Legal Disputes: No pending legal cases that would prevent program participation
Important Note: Current informality regarding PACRA/TPIN/bank accounts is NOT a disqualifier — willingness to formalize is what matters. However, mining license application (at minimum) and some form of geological documentation are MANDATORY requirements for program entry.
3. Business Readiness & Commitment
Training Participation: Willingness to participate in training, mentorship, and coaching sessions
GrowthWheel Implementation: Commitment to implementing GrowthWheel 8-pillar framework (business model, market relations, people, operations, financial, mindset, stakeholder relations, product/service development)
Time Commitment: Owner/manager able to dedicate minimum 8 hours per month to program activities
Innovation Openness: Openness to adopting new technologies and practices (digital tools, safer mining methods, ESG practices)
15-Month Availability: Willingness to participate in the full 15-month program
Data Sharing: Willingness to share business data for monitoring and evaluation (data confidentiality guaranteed)
Preferred Criteria (Bonus Points)
While not mandatory, the following criteria will increase your selection chances and score higher during evaluation:
Formalization & Business Readiness
PACRA Registration: Existing registration or application in-process
TPIN: Tax Identification Number obtained from ZRA
Full Valid Mining License: Complete license already issued (not just application)
Formal Geological Report: Report prepared by licensed geologist (informal assessments meet mandatory threshold but formal reports score higher)
ZEMA Compliance: Environmental Compliance Certificate or EPB submitted/approved
SHE Awareness: Knowledge of basic safety regulations
Business Bank Account: Existing account or willingness to open within 3 months
Association Membership: Active in mining cooperatives, chambers, or industry associations
Business Operations & Growth
Financial Records: Basic financial records (even informal ledgers, notebooks, receipts)
Cost Understanding: Clear understanding of mining costs and revenues
Customer Relationships: Established buyers, offtake agreements, or regular customers
Market Understanding: Awareness of mineral prices, middlemen, processing steps
Market Linkages Interest: Seeking formal supply agreements with large-scale mining companies (Mopani, FQM, Kroup Mining, or other LSM operators) for sustainable offtake arrangements
Formalization Awareness: Understanding of why PACRA, licenses, bank accounts matter
Digital Tools: Use of mobile money or digital tools (Airtel Money, MTN, WhatsApp)
Previous Training: Attended business training, mining workshops, or technical courses
Social Inclusion Priorities (Bonus Points)
Women-Owned/Led
+20 pts
50%+ female ownership or female manager
Youth-Owned/Led
+15 pts
Owner/manager under 35 years
Disability Inclusion
+10 pts
Owner/manager/employees with disabilities
Gender Balance
+5 pts
Both men and women in workforce
ESG & Safety Commitment
Safety Equipment: Use of basic safety equipment (helmets, boots, gloves)
Environmental Awareness: Understanding of environmental impacts
Community Engagement: Engagement with local communities and traditional leaders
Sustainable Practices: Willingness to adopt safer, more sustainable mining practices
Required Documents
Mandatory Documents (Must Provide)
Completed application form (provided by eMiner team)
National ID of owner/manager (NRC or passport)
Artisanal or Small-Scale Mining License OR proof of application in-process (license certificate, application receipt, correspondence with Ministry of Mines, payment receipts, acknowledgment letter)
Geological report or site assessment document (formal geological report by licensed geologist, OR informal assessment by experienced technical person, OR commitment letter with basic site documentation — mineral samples, site maps/photos, GPS coordinates)
Proof of mining site location (GPS coordinates, hand-drawn map, photos, chief's letter)
Priority Documents (Strengthen Your Application)
Business registration documents (PACRA certificate, TPIN, business name registration) if available
Full valid mining license (not just application) — scores higher during selection
Formal geological report from licensed geologist
Financial records or bank statements (ledgers, receipts, mobile money statements)
Photos of mining operations (site, equipment, workers, production)
Testimonials from community leaders or buyers
For cooperatives: Membership lists with signatures
Document Flexibility: Lack of PACRA/TPIN/bank account documents will NOT automatically disqualify applicants if they demonstrate willingness to formalize. However, mining license proof (or application) and geological documentation are NON-NEGOTIABLE mandatory requirements.
Automatic Disqualification
The following will result in automatic disqualification:
Child labor (under 18 in hazardous work)
Forced labor or human trafficking
Serious environmental crimes or convictions
Violence or armed conflict involvement
Corruption or fraud convictions
Systematic discrimination (gender, ethnicity, disability, religion)
Absentee ownership (not actively involved in operations)
Unwillingness to commit to formalization
NO mining license application started (new enforcement)
How to Apply
Application Process:
- 1Submit Expression of Interest (EOI) form
- 2Wait for eligibility screening results (2 weeks)
- 3If shortlisted, complete full application with supporting documents
- 4Participate in site visit and verification
- 5Wait for final selection notification
Important Reminders:
- Application is completely FREE — no payment required
- Language support available: English, Bemba, Lunda, Kaonde, Luvale
- Women, youth, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply
- eMiner provides support throughout the application process
Contact Us
Ready to transform your mining enterprise? Get in touch with us today!
Phone / WhatsApp
+260 779 404 729
Office
Solwezi, Northwestern Province
Office Hours
Mon–Fri, 08:00 – 17:00
Transforming Northwestern Province's ASM Sector for Sustainable and Inclusive Growth
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