 A Kasama resident has appealed to the Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development to consider opening a mining cadastre to be accessed by members of the public from across the country.
James Mutambo, a retired miner, says doing so will allow the public to access mining services, noting that a cadastre has several key responsibilities which can help people and companies with their business.
He told the media in an interview in Kasama that it is important that the government opens up a cadastre, saying once this is achieved, people will be enabled to obtain licenses easily, thus reducing illegal mining activities.
“This unit is very critical for those who want to venture into mining, talk of licensing, once we have a cadastre, it will be easy for mining companies and individuals to acquire licences,” noted Mr Mutambo.
He further observed that the lack of a cadastre has contributed to the mushrooming of illegal mining activities in the country.
Meanwhile, Mr Mutambo has urged illegal miners across the country to adhere to the call by the Zambia Army Commander to vacate mining areas before soldiers move in to forcibly evict them.
“All illegal miners should adhere to the Zambia Army Commander’s call for them to stop their illegal activities and vacate the sites before they are forced to do so,” he appealed.
He added that illegal mining has the potential to breed insecurities in the country, stating that the army is therefore in order to move in and safeguard national security.
Mr Mutambo also stated that mining requires people with mining skills and the right tools to prevent unnecessary deaths, which are being recorded in these illegal mining sites.
He indicated that the country has continued to lose the much needed revenue from mineral resources because of few selfish individuals who are mining illegally.
