By Isaac Zulu
Chief Chisunka has called on government to put in place stringent measures to curb illegal mining activities in Luapula Province.
In an interview with Daily Revelation, Chief Chisunka, who is the chairperson of the House of Chiefs, said the traditional leadership in Luapula Province has made submissions to the Ministry of Mines, aimed at ensuring that there is sanity in artisanal mining.
He expressed optimism that Ministry of Mines will effect the recommendations that the traditional leadership has submitted.
“As traditional leaders in Luapula Province, we have made submissions to the Minister of Mines that we think will address the issue of illegal mining activities in the region. What we want is for government to put in place stringent measures that would curb illegal mining activities in Luapula. That issue is of great concern to us. And we are optimistic that this will be addressed,” Chief Chisunka said.
He said some illegal mining activities are depriving the local people an opportunity to benefit from the mineral wealth in their region.
The traditional leader said there is need for the government to devise mechanisms that would ensure that local people acquire artisanal mining licences and, consequently, venture in the mining of manganese and other mineral resources.
“We have also realised that our local people, our subjects have not been benefiting from the mining activities being undertaken in Luapula Province. They are being deprived of the opportunity to benefit from their mineral wealth,” said Chief Chisunka.
The traditional leaders however, disclosed that some cooperatives have already started being issued with some mining licences.
“We have been pushing for these things. We are just worried about the slow pace at which they are moving. But I should hasten to say that there are some cooperatives within Luapula Province that are reporting that they have been issued with some artisanal mining licences,” said Chief Chisunka.
