MINES minister Richard Musukwa has warned illegal gold miners in Kasenseli in Mwinililunga of Southern Province that the law will catch up with them.
Musukwa said no mining licences had been given out for people to mine at Kasenseli.
Speaking to journalists after President Edgar Lungu toured Kasenseli gold mine located in Chief Chibwika’s Chiefdom in Mwinilunga District, North Western Province, Musukwa said foreigners had invaded Mwinilunga and buying the precious mineral from people who were illegally mining in the area.
The mines minister said cabinet had resolved to suspend all the operations at Kasenseli gold mine.
Musukwa said ZCCM-IH would work together with the local people to oversee operations of the mine.
He explained that following government’s declaration of gold as a strategic reserve, the Zambia Army and Zambia National Service (ZNS) would be deployed in the area to provide security at the mine.
On Saturday, accompanied by Musukwa, Energy minister Matthew Nkhuwa, North Western Province minister Nathaniel Mubukwanu and other government and party officials, President Lungu toured Kasenseli gold mine in Chief Chibwika’s Chiefdom in Mwinilunga District, North Western Province.
