The Kabwe Gemstones Association (KGA) has expressed interest in the Gemstone mining activities in Mumbwa District.
KGA Vice Secretary Eddie Chirwa says the reported mineral wealth of Mumbwa District has attracted a lot of attention from many small-scale miners in other parts of Central Province.
Mr. Chirwa noted that most small scale miners were eager to explore the Gemstone potential of the District.
He, however, said they were apprehensive on whether local chiefs would be as receptive towards indigenous miners as they are towards foreigners.
Mr. Chirwa said that indigenous small-scale miners were capable of reducing poverty in their respective households, as well as ensuring that the profits realized from the mining activities were kept in circulation within the local communities.
When contacted for a comment on the concerns raised by Mr. Chirwa, Chief Kaindu of Mumbwa’s Kaonde ethnic group clarified that serious miners of any scale and nationality were welcome in his chiefdom.
Chief Kaindu said that the only prerequisite required was for miners to have valid licenses from the Ministry of Mines, adding that he did not condone illegal mining.
He emphasized that his prime interest was to see that the wealth obtained from mining activities filters through into the entire Chiefdom to raise the living standards of the local people and reduce poverty in the area.
