State seals loopholes in gold mining

WE have sealed all loopholes to stop illegal gold mining in the country, President Edgar Lungu has assured.

President Lungu was saddened with the illegality which some of the Zambians had been subjected to.

The Head of State said it was unfortunate that after the discovery of the lucrative mineral in the country, people had resorted to illegal mining.

Mr Lungu said the behaviour among some Zambians who were involved in such illegality would not be tolerated.

“If the continued illegal gold mining and other precious stones is left unchecked, the country will lose a lot of revenue,” President Lungu said.

Mr Lungu said this yesterday during the national address in Parliament.

“It is very unfortunate that the discovery of gold in various parts of the country has now been erupted by illegal mining. Our people have resorted to mining our precious minerals illegally,” He said.

He said that Government has since put in place necessary security measures to stop the illegality in gold areas.

Mr Lungu said Government would ensure that the lucrative mineral was mined in appropriate manner for the betterment of the nation.

President Lungu said once gold was legally exploited, it would help the country earn the much needed revenue.

“This will definitely help us to improve the country’s economic growth which will eventually uplift the living standards of Zambians,” the Head of State said.

Meanwhile, President Lungu called on Zambians to promote the local industry by buying local products.

He said that prioritising local products would not only grow the industry but also improve the country’s wellbeing.

“I call upon all Zambians to be patriotic and ensure that we promote the local products, by doing so we shall grow our local industry and improve our economy,” President Lungu said.

Mr Lungu