The Centre for Trade Policy and Development has observed with concern the involvement of Children and Women in unconducive environments were Gold mining is taking place in Eastern Province.
CTPD Extractives Programmes Officer Isaiah Mbewe made the observation during Data collection for a study themed” Appraising the Gold Mining Sector” that the Centre is undertaking in Lusangazi District of Eastern Province.
Mr. Mbewe noted that although Gold mining is a source of the much needed income for communities in such areas, the Centre is concerned that women are involved in the processing and waste disposal of this Mineral resource thereby exposing them to harmful chemicals which have severe consequences on their health.
He stressed that in trying to make a living out of Mining, Women often suffer domestic violence and are forced into prostitution as is the case in one of the Mining sites that the Centre visited in Lusangazi District of Eastern Province.
Mr. Mbewe also expressed concern that Children are working in the unconditional worst forms of Child Labour which include digging and engaging in illicit activities such as prostitution and abuse of drugs.
He has since reiterated CTPD’s call on government to formalize the sector because it plays a critical role in the creation of jobs.
In a statement issued by Information and Communication Specialist Mwaka Nyimbiri, Mr Mbewe also commended the intention by government through ZCCM-IH to formalize the Artisanal Gold Mining with the objective of curbing illegal Mining.
And the area MP is the main buyer of those gold dust.
Close everything please.
An illegal minded parent cannot be stopped unless by force. Most people would do the same if today they were told that there was gold in their backyard. We have police patrolling these areas but you cannot patrol every area all the time. So let us be realistic rather than criticising everything. One day you will criticise your own faeces. Kz
Question should be, “how much are the gold diggers making per ounce?”
Good that the government has moved in to stop illegal mining it a risky venture to expose innocent children and women if not properly handled you will hear of militias being formed as It Is in Congo Dr and wars between militias will be the order of the day.
These are the ever un stoppable wars you hear of in Congo big power nations sponsor such militias and supply them weapons to control those areas with minerals.
That is how looting goes on un abated .