Immediate action against illegal mining

.... Human Rights Advocate Presses Government to Address Illegal Mining and Lawlessness Threatening Economic Growth in Zambia

By Francis Maingaila 

Lusaka, Zambia24 - (12-10-2024) - Prominent human rights defender Ngande Mwanajiti has raised serious concerns about the rampant lawlessness in Zambia's mining sector, warning that it poses a grave threat to democracy and the country’s economic growth. 

In a strongly worded opinion piece, Mwanajiti criticized the reckless decisions and illegal activities within the sector, which continue to hinder efforts toward meaningful reform.

Mwanajiti’s statements echo the revelations by the Minister of Mines, Hon. Paul Kabuswe, who acknowledged the challenges facing the mining industry. 

The minister, backed by the Permanent Secretary of Mines, Dr. H. Kabeta, has been vocal about the need to confront illegal mining activities, which not only violate the law but also severely undermine ongoing efforts to foster sustainable development in the sector.

According to Mwanajiti, this lawlessness cannot be tolerated any longer, and immediate action must be taken. 

He called for the creation of a dedicated Task Force to combat illegal mining and related criminal activities. 

"The stakes are too high to ignore—lives are being lost, revenue is being drained, law and order are being compromised, and communities are burdened with medical and funeral costs," he wrote.

Mwanajiti also stressed the importance of scrutinizing mining license holders to ensure they are engaged in genuine, productive activities rather than speculative ventures.

He argued that promoting speculation as an economic strategy is both misguided and dangerous for the future of the industry and the nation.

He observed that the mining sector is a critical pillar of Zambia's economy, contributing significantly to employment and national revenue.

Regrettably, illegal mining activities, often conducted by unlicensed operators, have caused environmental degradation, loss of life, and significant revenue loss for the government.

With these concerns in mind, Mwanajiti’s appeal for decisive and strategic interventions resonates with a growing call for better governance and accountability in the sector. 

He urged authorities to act swiftly, warning that failure to address these issues would have devastating consequences for the country's economy and social fabric.

He also called for a Task Force, equipped with legal authority and resources, as a key step toward restoring law and order in Zambia’s mining industry.