04/07/2025
The Cabinet has approved the deployment of security forces to combat illegal mining activities!
Government has approved the deployment of defense and security personnel to tackle the alarming rise in illegal mining activities across the country.
The decision made during a recent Cabinet meeting, follows increasing reports of unauthorized extraction of key minerals such as gold, manganese, copper, sugilite, tin, and lithium mostly by artisanal and small-scale miners. The illegal trade has not only deprived the nation of vital revenue but has also fueled criminal activities including mineral smuggling, environmental degradation, and the influx of undocumented foreign nationals.
Authorities have raised concerns over the exploitation of local communities, many of whom are being paid far below the international market value for their minerals.
The deployment will initially focus on identified hotspots that include Rufunsa, Kasempa, Mpika, Mumbwa, Lusangazi, Chisamba, Chibombo, Luano, Lumezi, Chadiza, and Vubwi, among others
In addition to the security response, Cabinet has underscored the need for long term reforms. A key component of this effort involves the formalization of artisanal and small-scale mining operations.
This includes granting mining licenses to local cooperatives to empower communities, increase transparency, and integrate them into the formal mineral value chain.
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