Mining companies can now apply for licences to mine Uranium in Zambia following the enactment of a mining law which forbids its use in making nuclear weapons and devices.

The law covers the prospecting, mining and milling of uranium ores and other radio active minerals ores. Mines minister Kalombo Mwansa said this would pave way for uranium mining following the discovery of huge uranium deposits in several parts of the mineral rich Zambia.

The Mining, Storage and export of uranium law also allows for exports of the mineral, and is a huge step in the development of Zambia’s mining industry, previously dominated by copper and cobalt production.

The law gives the minister final say on who gets a licence and makes it mandatory for mining companies and exporters to provide documentation on the source of uranium concentrate or radioactive materials and to prove the authenticity of importers under the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) guidelines.

Foreign firms seeking to export uranium would have to apply for export licences from the Radiation Protection Authority under the ministry of health to ensure their operations are not harmful in any way.

Mining companies will also be required to adhere to strict management plans for natural water and other waste products so as not to ruin the environment and the health of others.

Zambia’s parliament recently passed a law that lifted a suspension of oil exploration, paving way for foreign oil exploration firms to tender for exploration rights in northwestern Zambia