Lusaka Province Minister, Honourable Sheal Mulyata has praised residents of Rufunsa for their patience as the government intensifies efforts to establish a safe, transparent, and fully regulated mining environment in the district.
Addressing licensed miners drawn from various co-operatives in Rufunsa, Ms Mulyata said rampant illegal mining has deprived the nation of critical resources essential for sustainable national development.
She reiterated the government’s unwavering commitment to ensuring all mining activities are conducted strictly within the legal framework, with due regard for miners’ safety, environmental protection, and full revenue remittance to the Treasury.
The Minister, accompanied by Commander Zambia Army, Lieutenant General Geoffrey Choongo Zyeele, and senior officials from the Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development, expressed satisfaction with the Army’s decisive operations undertaken under the directive of the Republican President and Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Force, Mr Hakainde Hichilema, to halt illicit mining and restore order in the area.
“Government wants to see mining conducted within the law, with full consideration for the safety of miners, protection of the environment, and proper remittance of revenue for national development,” Ms Mulyata stressed.
She underscored that all future mining undertakings must be lawful, orderly, and demonstrably beneficial to both the country and local communities.
The Minister also voiced deep concern over the exploitation of young people in illegal mining operations, noting that the government’s firm intervention is designed to safeguard lives and secure livelihoods.
And Lieutenant General Zyeele assured residents that legitimate mining activities would resume once the Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development finalises comprehensive operational modalities for licensed miners and co-operatives.
He issued a stern warning that the Zambia Army will not tolerate the participation of illegal immigrants in mining operations or the use of mining areas as havens for criminal activities, including drug trafficking.
Lt Gen Zyeele further cautioned licence holders against flagrant violations of mining regulations, revealing that some are engaged in unauthorised extraction and processing of minerals beyond their permit provisions.
“We are aware that some licence holders are extracting minerals beyond what their permits allow. This is a serious offence and will not be tolerated,” he declared.
Meanwhile, Rufunsa District Commissioner, Mr Richard Mabena, commended both the Minister and the Commander Zambia Army for personally visiting the area to explain the grave dangers of illegal mining and outline the government’s remedial measures.
The licensed miners, who are scheduled to meet with the Ministers of Mines and Minerals Development, and Small and Medium Enterprise Development this Wednesday, expressed renewed optimism about resuming operations free from threats and intimidation.
Assistant Director for Artisan and Small-Scale Mining, Engineer Brighton Kateka, urged all miners to attend the crucial upcoming meeting to address outstanding concerns and chart a clear and lawful way forward.
