Chief hails Lungu decision on idle mining licences

CHIEF Katyetye of Isoka has welcomed President Edgar Lungu’s directives to the Ministry of Mines and Mineral Development to cancel idle mining and exploration licences.

Chief Katyetye told the Daily Nation in a statement that the directive by the President was timely as it would address anomalies in the mining sector.

He said some firms involved in explorations were a draw back to the development of the mining industry and the country at large.

Chief Katyetye said some unscrupulous investors are stealing minerals in the name of explorations hence the need for the ministry to quickly act on the President’s directive.

“As a royal establishment, we have welcomed the directive by President Edgar Lungu as it has come at the right time and there is need for the ministry to act,” he said.

Chief Katyetye appealed to the Ministry of Mines and Mineral Development to consider cancelling exploration licence for African Consolidated Resources Limited which has been exploring Nkombwa Hills since 2012.

The chief said geological results have confirmed the existence of metals and other minerals at Nkombwa Hills but the named company have just continued holding on to mining licence without operationalizing it.

“I am appealing to the Ministry of Mines to cancel the prospecting and exploration license for the company that has been exploring Nkombwa Hills since 2012 with no progress to point to as it has hindered the development of my chiefdom,” Chief Katyetye said.

Chief Katyetye said operationalising of the mine would help create employment for the local people in the district and beyond.

And Chief Katyetye has advised Ministry of Mines and Mineral Development to always consult with traditional leaders before awarding exploration or mining licenses to potential investors in particular areas.