Idle mine licences revocation plan hailed

THE Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development has welcomed the directive by President Edgar Lungu to revoke dormant mining and exploration licences.

Minister of Mines and Minerals Development Richard Musukwa said the concerns by the President were timely.

The ministry had already sent default notices to various mining entities.

Mr Musukwa said the ministry would now proceed to terminate licences for the companies and individuals who had not done any work.

He said that mining licences that had been dormant would be revoked to pave way for new owners.

Last Saturday while on a working visit in North-Western Province, President Lungu instructed the Ministry of Mines to ensure that all dormant mining and exploration licences were revoked.

Meanwhile, Mr. Musukwa says Government wants the people of Mwinlinga to benefit from available natural resources in that area and the recent gold discoveries.

He said local people should form cooperatives which would enable them to mine legally under an approved mine plan anchored on safety.

Mr Musukwa said the ministry wants to work with the local community.

He advised the local people to engage the ministry on various issues affecting them unlike taking the law into their own hands.

Mr Musukwa urged the Zambia Police Service to continue maintaining law and order in the district and ensure mineral resources were protected.