By SILUMESI MALUMO
GOVERNMENT has dispatched officers from the Ministry of Mines and Mineral Development to flash out all illegal miners exploiting tantalum and tin in Southern Province.
Minister of Mines and Mineral Development, Richard Musukwa, said many reports had reached his office about illegal mining activities in the province hence the action.
Mr Musukwa said Government would want to ensure that all the resources in the country were protected.
He said in an interview yesterday, Government would not allow unscrupulous individuals to benefit from the resources at the expense of Zambians.
The minister said, “These individuals are benefiting from the resources and they do not pay any tax to the Government.” So, Mr Musukwa said, we will not entertain illegal exploitation of resources and we shall treat those involved as criminals.
“We are aware of the situation in Southern Province and our team in on the ground to ensure that we flash out all the illegal miners who are exploiting these resources.
These resources belong to Zambians and what we want is for the people to organise themselves and form cooperatives then be given licences so that they can exploit resources legally for which they can be able to pay tax,” he said.
Mr Musukwa said it was important that people followed laid down procedures before they engaged in any mining activities in the country.
The minister said people should be aware that Government cannot allow resources to be exploited any how without following laws.
OFFICERS DISPATCHED TO FLUSH OUT ILLEGAL MINERS IN SOUTHERN PROVINCE
