By SILUMESI MALUMO
ZCCM-IH will provide a competitive price to stop foreigners from illegally buying gold from miners, Minister of Mines and Mineral Development Richard Musukwa has said
Mr Musukwa has meanwhile urged mining houses in the country to increase production and stop giving excuses regarding the Covid-19 pandemic.
The minister admitted that there were a lot of foreigners who were illegally buying gold from small-scale miners.
To stop the illegality, he said, ZCCM-IH should ensure that a good price was offered to miners.
He said this when Zambia Chamber of Mines Chief Executive Officer Sokwani Chilembo called on him yesterday.
Mr Musukwa was concerned with high level of illegality in the gold sub sector which needed to be addressed immediately.
He said that gold had been identified as a resource that would change the outlook of the country’s economy and illegalities must stopped by all cost.
Mr Musukwa said Government was aware of illegalities at Kasenseli gold site in Mwinilunga and was working towards stopping the illegal trend.
He said that a number of illegal miners had invaded the gold area which would not be tolerated.
Meanwhile Mr Musukwa said government would remain consistent on its policies to attract investment in the mining sector.
Earlier, Mr Chilembo maintained the need for Government to reduce mineral royalty tax.
ZCCM-IH to offer competitive gold price – Musukwa
