THE Radiation Protection Authority (RPA) has successfully recovered four illegally held nuclear density gauges in the Copperbelt and North-Western provinces, following a targeted enforcement operation.
Concerned by a worrying trend of unauthorised equipment in the mining and construction sectors, RPA swung into action, conducting an extensive operation to identify and confiscate any illegally held equipment.
According to RPA senior public Relations officer Loveness Milimo, the initial seizure in the operation occurred on July 3, 2025, when two unauthorised nuclear gauges were successfully intercepted in Kitwe District.
Milimo revealed that the other seizure took place on July 4, 2025 in Manyama area, where a company was found to be illegally offering nuclear gauging services using falsified radiation licenses.
She stated that a fourth gauge was later seized in Mufulira District.
Milimo stated that all four seized nuclear gauges have been transferred to the ZCCM-IH interim storage facility in Kalulushi, providing the assurance of safe containment while the appropriate regulatory and legal measures are implemented.
“This enforcement operation serves as a potent reminder of the critical importance of adhering to the Ionising RPA Act No. 19 of 2011, particularly Section 21 (1), which requires individuals and organisations to obtain a valid license from the RPA before importing, using, or possessing any radioactive material,” stated Milimo.
RPA also issued a stern warning to individuals, contractors and institutions dealing with radioactive sources, emphasising that any violations of the radiation safety regulations will be met with zero tolerance.
She further reaffirmed the authority’s dedication to the protection of people and the environment from any radiation hazards, cautioning that it will not hesitate to act against any breach of regulations.
By Sharon Zulu
Kalemba July 29, 2025
