GOVERNMENT has trained 400 cooperatives in Mufumbwe, North-Western Province, to mine gold safely and legally, with promises that tenements will soon be allocated through ZCCM-IH as part of efforts to formalise artisanal mining in the Kikonge area.
In December last year, the Zambia Army ordered illegal miners who were operating at Kikonge Gold Mine in Mufumbwe District to vacate immediately or face forced eviction, describing illegal mining as an economic crime that undermines national development and security.
Speaking during Youth Day commemorations at Independence Stadium in Solwezi, North-Western Province Minister Robert Lihefu said the training was meant to ensure safety and legality in mining.
“We have trained 400 cooperatives to be able to mine safely and legally. Licenses have been issued to them and currently we are working with ZCCM-IH in allocating tenements in Mufumbwe and Kasempa districts,” said Lihefu.
The Minister emphasised that the move will restore sanity in Kikonge.
“Very soon, tenements will be allocated to the artisanal miners,” Lihefu said.
He has also praised the Zambia Army and defence forces for their role in curbing illegal mining.
“We are grateful to the Zambia Army for restoring order at Kikonge and clearing out illegal gold miners in a safe, professional, and orderly manner. Sanity to the area has since been restored,” Lihefu said.
Lihefu further said that the province, being a mining hub, is thankful for the intervention.
“North-Western Province is a mining province, and as such we are grateful for restoring order as regards illegal mining,” Lihefu said.
By Daniel Banda
Kalemba March 15, 2026
