PRESIDENT Hakainde Hichilema has warned against lawlessness in the mining sector especially in mineral-rich regions like the Copperbelt and North-Western Province saying illegal mining activities will no longer be tolerated.
In the wake of recent unrest in Chingola yesterday and the chaotic gold rush in Mufumbwe, the Head of State has ordered law enforcement agencies to get tough on illegal miners, while assuring the public that the government is working to make safe and legal mining jobs available, for young people.
The President expressed sadness over the loss of life during the Chingola riots and stressed the urgent need to protect citizens from hazardous mining operations that are often run without licenses or safety measures.
President Hichilema noted that proper licensing systems must benefit ordinary Zambians, and that the only long-term solution to illegal mining lies in empowering communities with jobs and economic opportunities.
“Our natural resources are a blessing and crucial to securing Zambia’s long-term prosperity. We want our young people in safe, stable and well-paying jobs including mining, but not at the expense of putting themselves in danger by operating in illegal and unsafe mines,” President Hichilema said in a statement issued by communication specialist Clayson Hamasaka
To deal with the wider crisis, the Head of State has established an inter-ministerial committee chaired by Vice-President Mutale Nalumango to tackle illegal mining and environmental damage, especially following a recent pollution incident on the Copperbelt.
The President also promised that those responsible for polluting local communities would be held accountable and affected residents would be compensated and their land restored.
By George Musonda
Kalemba July 31, 2025
