United Party for National Development Backs Illegal Mining Crackdown

The United Party for National Development (UPND) has welcomed President Hakainde Hichilema’s recent remarks that “mines should not create rivers of blood,” describing the statement as a strong message aimed at safeguarding Zambia’s mineral wealth and curbing unsafe and illegal mining activities.

UPND Media Official Karen Twaambo Mufuzi said the President’s directive seeks to ensure that mineral resources are extracted in line with established laws while preventing further loss of life linked to unregulated mining.

Speaking on The People’s Debate on Pan African Radio, Ms Mufuzi said illegal mining poses serious risks, including fatalities, the formation of militias, threats to national security and loss of national revenue.

She cited the Mines and Minerals Development Act of 2015 as providing clear guidance on how Zambia’s mineral resources should be extracted, managed and disposed of.

Ms Mufuzi explained that the formalisation of small-scale and artisanal mining was introduced to promote safe mining practices, protect local miners from exploitation, curb revenue leakages and prevent the rise of criminal groups within the sector.

She clarified that the position that Zambia’s minerals are meant to benefit Zambians does not prevent artisanal licence holders from entering into joint ventures with foreign investors. Instead, she said, the move enhances transparency by enabling government to track mineral production, revenue and the individuals or entities involved in mining activities across the country.

According to Ms Mufuzi, issuing artisanal mining licences to youths and other citizens will help reduce exploitation and prevent further loss of life.

She dismissed claims that illegal mining has continued unchecked under the UPND administration, stating that President Hichilema has shown firm resolve to address the problem regardless of those involved.

Ms Mufuzi cited the recent deployment of Zambia Army Special Forces to Kikonge Mine in Mufumbwe District, North-Western Province, by Army Commander Lieutenant General Geoffrey Zyeele as a decisive step that has been widely welcomed as a milestone in combating illegal mining and enhancing safety.