Lawlessness will be met with force – HH

By GIDEON NYENDWA

PRESIDENT Hakainde Hichilema has vowed that illegal mining and lawlessness will not be condoned under his watch and that the UPND government is determined to restore order and transparency in the mining sector.
Speaking during the official opening of the Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining (ASM) Conference, President Hichilema said all mining operations must be licensed and conducted responsibly.
He called on stakeholders to prioritise safe practices and avoid actions that damage the environment.
Mr Hichilema expressed concern over the growing number of fatalities, particularly among young people, resulting from unsafe and illegal mining operations.
He noted that assets such as the Black Mountain belonged to rightful owners and warned against illegal access to such mining sites.
“You cannot go and mine illegally, and when questioned, resort to breaking shop windows and stealing goods from people’s businesses. That is unacceptable. That is lawlessness and shall be met with full force,” Mr Hichilema said.
He condemned recent incidents in Chingola where some residents, allegedly frustrated by economic challenges, resorted to looting.
“Put yourself in that situation someone breaks into your shop and takes mealie-meal without paying. How would you feel? That is lawlessness, and we will not condone it,” President Hichilema added.
Meanwhile, Mines and Minerals Development Minister Paul Kabuswe said all major mining operations have resumed since the UPND assumed office.
Mr Kabuswe highlighted that the sector has attracted significant investment under the current stable and investor-friendly policy environment.
Lusaka Province Minister Sheal Mulyata described the ASM conference as a clear demonstration of government’s commitment to working with stakeholders to address challenges in the artisanal and small-scale mining sector.