Army Commander orders illegal miners out of Rufunsa
By Ludia Ngwadzai
ZAMBIA Army Commander Lieutenant General Geoffrey Choongo Zyeele has sternly warned illegal gold miners, undocumented immigrants and holders of fake mining licences to immediately leave Chief Shikabeta’s area in Rufunsa District.
Speaking when he addressed the miners yesterday, Lt Gen Zyeele said no mining activity would be allowed to resume in the area until order was restored under the guidance of the Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development.
“The Zambia Army has intervened to halt ongoing illegalities. Gold mining will be sanitised to ensure the safety of people, the environment, and government beneficiation through taxes,” he said.
In a statement issued by Lusaka Provincial Administration principal public relations officer Logic Lukwanda, Lt Gen Zyeele warned that illegal mining had led to drug dealing and other crimes that could compromise national security.
“If you are an illegal immigrant mining here, leave. If you are mining illegally, leave. If you have no license or a fake license, leave,” he said.
The operation, dubbed ‘kuchingilisha’ (preventing), began with the deployment of troops last month.
Lt Gen Zyeele said the operation had since stopped all illegal activities in the area to pave the way for legal and safe mining.
The Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development said 20 artisanal mining licenses had been issued in the area, but only seven were currently active.
“We want to clean everything and have orderliness in mining here, and deal with all the downsides of illegal mining,” Lt Gen Zyeele.
Lusaka Province Minister Sheal Mulyata thanked the residents for their patience as government moved to establish a safe, transparent and fully regulated mining environment.
Addressing licensed miners from various cooperatives, Mulyata said illegal mining had deprived the nation of critical resources for development.
She said all future mining must be lawful, safe and beneficial to both the country and local communities.
