Former Mines and Minerals Development Minister Paul Kabuswe has cautioned opposition leader Brian Mundubile against making what he described as misleading claims regarding the existence of diamonds in Lufwanyama District.
Mr. Kabuswe was reacting to remarks made by Mr. Mundubile during a campaign rally in Kitwe, where he reportedly promised to return diamonds and gold to the people of Lufwanyama if elected.
Speaking in an interview, Mr. Kabuswe said Zambia has not yet discovered commercial diamond deposits and that claims suggesting otherwise are not supported by available geological information.
“Let’s tell the people the truth, diamonds are yet to be discovered in Zambia,” Mr. Kabuswe said.
He explained that Lufwanyama is internationally known for its emerald resources and hosts major mining operations such as Kagem Mining Limited and Grizzly Mining Limited, both of which specialize in emerald extraction.
Mr. Kabuswe urged political leaders to be factual in their campaign messages and avoid making promises based on resources that have not been identified or commercially developed.
Meanwhile, Victor Kalesha, president of the Emerald and Semi-Precious Stones Mining Association of Zambia, also dismissed the assertions, describing them as inaccurate and unsupported by geological evidence.
Mr. Kalesha said there are currently no known commercial diamond deposits in Lufwanyama and encouraged politicians to base their public statements on verified facts.
“There are no commercial diamond deposits in Lufwanyama. Emeralds are our reality, and what miners need are investment partnerships, modern equipment and better access to markets,” he said.
He added that the district’s mining sector would benefit more from policies aimed at supporting local miners, improving access to mining equipment and enhancing geological exploration and information sharing.
Mr. Kalesha further criticized suggestions that mining activities at Kasenseli should be returned to unregulated operators, arguing that formalized and well-regulated mining practices are essential for sustainable sector growth.
The comments come amid heightened political campaigning ahead of the general election, with candidates presenting competing visions for the development of Zambia’s mining industry and broader economy.
The way Kabuswe looked scared on that Interview. His boss keeps talking about Mundubile, and him the same. You wasted your 5 years bwana..
To try and take advantage of the poor uneducated and desperate people for votes is the worst form of irresponsible populism.The likes of Mundubile, Nakachinda, Kambwili thrive on half truths and blatant lies.They care little about consequences
Whether Mundubile was right or wrong, he will be voted in. Can you compare this one inaccuracy to the tonnes of lies from you. Is mealie meal K50, is fertiliser K250, is fuel K12? These are the things you promised. Even saying you were building King Lewanika university here in Mongu in your first term. Loadshedding took 4 years, it started even before the drought
Why are you moderating my request to verify these figures. 12 billion dollars investment in the mines, 6.7 billion dollars in reserves, 4 million tonnes bumper harvest. I am asking that we verify because there is absolutely no impact on peoples livelyhoods
“commercial diamond deposits”
OK what about uncommercial diamond deposits then?
Let’s go by inference:
To the south, there’s diamond in Botswana
To the west, there’s diamond in Namibia and Angola
To the north, there’s diamond in DR Congo
IT IS THEREFORE INCONCEIVABLE THAT LUFWANYAMA SHOULD BE DEVOID OD DIAMOND!!!!