Government has reaffirmed its commitment to curbing illegal mining activities in Mkushi District, Central Province.
Mkushi District Commissioner, Jonathan Kapungwe said this during a stakeholder forum convened to address reports of illegal mining in the gazetted North Swaka Forest Reserve.
Mr Kapungwe emphasised that while the government recognises mining as a key economic activity, it will not tolerate practices that threaten the environment.
He said his office has adopted a zero-tolerance policy towards anyone engaging in illegal mining or other unlawful activities in forest reserves.
“The North Swaka and Mkushi Headwaters Forests are vital to sustaining Mkushi’s agricultural productivity, especially in crops such as wheat, maize, tomatoes, and soybeans,” he said.
Mr Kapungwe added that the district administration will work with relevant agencies to implement long-term measures to protect natural resources.
Meanwhile, Mimosa Mining Company Corporate Affairs Manager Ian Banda attributed the rise in illegal mining to recent encroachments in the North Swaka Forest.
Dr Banda noted that the illegal activities not only damage the environment but also disrupt operations of licensed mining companies such as Mimosa.
“It is imperative that illegal mining is stopped before it escalates further,” Dr. Banda said.
And Mkushi Small-Scale Miners Association spokesperson Lloyd Nyirenda has proposed the formation of a multi-sectoral committee to coordinate mining licensing between the Regional Mining Bureau and local operators.
Mr Nyirenda said the initiative would help raise awareness among small-scale miners on the benefits of operating legally.
