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Reforms to curb illegal mining underway, says Kabuswe

By NATION REPORTER

DRAFTING of a new policy to curb   illegal mining activities that have rocked the country has reached an advanced stage, Minister of Mines and Mineral Development, Paul Kabuswe has said.

Mr Kabuswe said once implemented, the police would address the rampant illegal mining activities that have rocked the country, and sanity shall be restored to the sector.

He also said that the ministry would engage the people that were involved in the vice such as Chiefs and the mine owners to find a lasting solution to the vice.

“We want to handle the issue of illegal activities in a proper way and not in a punitive manner, where people will think Government is siding with mine owners,” Mr Kabuswe said.

He noted that people behind illegal mining activities were those residing around the mine area.

Mr Kabuswe said the most illegally mined mineral resource in Zambia was gold, a mineral which fetches a high price.

“You need to note that   illegal mining is rampant around gold activities, so when the policy is ready, the country will see the reduction in illegal mining,” he said.

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