The Central Province Administration has taken decisive action against illegal gold mining activities in Chibombo District, following the discovery of unregulated mining operations in Namakolongo, Ntalasha Village.
A high-level team comprising members of the Chibombo District Joint Operations Committee (DJOCs), Central Province Government officers, and local leadership, led by Central Province Permanent Secretary Dr. Milner Mwanakampwe, moved in to stop the illegal activities.
Among those in attendance were Chibombo District Commissioner Mr. Lloyd Kayeka, Mumbwa District Commissioner Mrs. Namukolo Hayumbu, Chibombo Council Chairperson Mr. Newton Nyeleti, and Council Secretary Mrs. Grace N. Kanyata, underscoring government’s united stance against illegal mining.
The illegal miners, mostly youths drawn from various parts of the country, had set up camps dangerously close to Namakolongo Primary School, raising serious concerns about the safety of learners, teachers, and the surrounding community.
Addressing the miners, Dr. Mwanakampwe emphasized that while government understands the desire for economic survival, human life and public safety must always come first. He warned that illegal mining exposes people to severe risks, including mine collapses, lack of protective equipment, environmental degradation, and threats to nearby institutions such as schools.
The Permanent Secretary further reminded the miners that mining activities in Zambia must follow legal procedures, including acquiring proper licenses and adhering to occupational health and safety standards, adding that government will not tolerate activities that endanger lives or undermine the rule of law.
Dr. Mwanakampwe also urged the youths to seek legal and safer livelihood alternatives, assuring them that government remains committed to promoting orderly and sustainable economic activities.
Since the discovery of gold in various parts of the country, there has been a notable surge in illegal mining, prompting government interventions such as the one carried out in Keembe’s Namakolongo area.
Government has reiterated its resolve to continue monitoring mining hotspots and to take firm action against all forms of illegal mining, in order to protect communities, the environment, and national resources.
