By Chinoyi Chipulu
The Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development has suspended operations at two Chinese-operated mines in Kasempa District of North-Western Province, after they were found processing gold and copper ore illegally.
The two mines, Sino Octascene and Ken Reliable were discovered with large stocks of gold and copper ore ready for processing, despite not having the required mineral processing licenses.
In a statement issued by the ministry’s principal public relations officer Shamwinda Tembo, the two mines were found with substantial stocks of gold and copper containing ore within their premises which was piled up ready for processing.
Tembo stated that the violations were uncovered during an inspection led by Mines permanent decretary Dr. Hapenga Kabeta and officials from the Mine Safety Department.
Dr.Kabeta stated that the sources of the said ore stockpiles would be further investigated and any potential illegalities relating to the foregoing will be sternly dealt with.
He stated that the Ministry of Mines was now tightening monitoring of mineral processing plants nationwide to ensure compliance with regulations.
“Investigations revealed that the mines had been conducting unauthorised processing of minerals for an unspecified period. When questioned, mine officials failed to provide satisfactory explanations and relevant documents for the said operations,” he stated.
He stated that in response, the Ministry had seized ore stockpiles at the sites and directed law enforcement to secure the materials until proper documentation was presented.
Dr. Kabeta stated that the government was committed to curbing illegal mining, particularly in gold, and stressed the need for transparency in mineral trade to support national development.
