STATE MUST ACT NOW

HOW is it that a few months after the reported discovery of gold findings in some parts of the country, foreigners are still the ones dominating the exploitation of the precious mineral – though illegally.

We would have thought that Government by now would have ensured that illegal immigrants reported to have invaded these gold fields are flushed out and the sites secured.

It is unacceptable that traditional leaders are still complaining about the influx of foreigners in their areas mining gold illegally.

The latest complaint has been made by Senior Chief Mboroma of the Lala and Swaka people of Mkushi and Luano. He wants remedial measures now and we agree.

Obviously alarmed by the large number of illegal miners, he has asked the government to kick out mostly Tanzanians and other foreigners who are illegally mining alluvial gold in Luano Valley and other areas.

He said the growing trend of foreigners exploiting resources meant for Zambians must be stopped.

Senior Chief Mboroma warned that those who would be found wanting should be made to face the law.

not condone such activities that were detrimental to development.

“We do not want illegal alluvial gold mining and timber dealers in the valley. We want genuine investors with proper documents to conduct business in the area so that they create employment for our people,” Senior Chief Mboroma said.

What should be surprising is why foreigners find it so easy to mine illegally in the country and the law enforcement agencies stand with arms akimbo watching?

A few months ago, a traditional leader in the Eastern Province urged his subjects to effect a citizen’s arrest on all foreigners mining illegally in his chiefdom.

We have stated before that Government must be pro-active and ensure that these gold fields as well as other areas blessed with minerals are secured so that Zambians benefit.

Over the years, we have had foreigners trek into the country and engage in all manner of illegal extraction of the nation’s precious minerals and other resources leaving the local population in abject poverty.

Government must as a first step ensure that it forms a taskforce that will go around the country organising the youth and offer them basic training in simple mining.

The Zambia National Service is one such wing the government can use because it is represented throughout the country and has been involved in skills training for young people.

By encouraging the formation of cooperatives, Government would ensure there is organised mining and provide employment for the youth.

We are told that the foreigners mining gold have equipment that helps them pinpoint where to dig. Why can’t the government help the youth source such tools instead of leaving them with simple hoes and pick-axes?

We do recall that early last month, Minister of Mines and Minerals Development Richard Musukwa said the government would provide gold panning equipment to the gold panning communities and cooperatives.

In addition, Mineral Development Permanent Secretary Barnaby Mulenga reported that Cabinet has approved plans to relax requirements in the mining sector to allow locals to fully participate by relaxing mining licences and formalisation of artisanal practice in the mining of gold as a first step first.

Mr Mulenga explained that Government wants to ensure the mining licence requirements are relaxed so that locals take up the mining of gold.

That too is our desire, that the abundant minerals in the country are mined and exploited by Zambians and help improve the country’s economy.

In implementing this plan, Government must ensure that it seals all loopholes so that foreigners do not come in. Let the income from the country’s resources go to the Treasury.