By SILUMESI MALUMO
FOREIGN nationals have invaded tin and tantalum mine in Zim ba belonging to a Zambian miner, Edward Simukonda. The foreigners have taken advantage of the rich mining area after Mr Simukonda halted operations due to lack of machinery. Mr Simukonda’s machinery was burnt by unidentified people at the mining site.
In an interview yesterday, Mr Simukonda said it is un fortunate that foreign nationals are depleting minerals at his mining area. He said, he has pleaded several times with Government to provide security after halting operations but nothing has been done.
Mr Simukonda who is Daled Mining Limited owner, said this situation would not have occurred if government came to his aid. “My worry is that minerals will be depleted at my min ing area.
This is not the first time foreigners have invaded my area, this can be the third time and you can imagine the extent of damage they have done. “Tin and tantalum are expensive minerals, if my equipment was not burnt by selfish individuals, more revenue would have been coming in the country unlike what is happening,” he said.
Mr Simukonda appealed to the new dawn government to look into the matter before the illegal activities worsen. “Last time I met Southern Province Minister Cornelius Mweetwa, I told him about the situation. I will be happy if something can be done to safeguard the minerals. These minerals which are being smuggled out of the country belong to Zambians,” Mr Simukonda said.
And Mr Simukonda said there are reports of local people being used by foreigners injured while con – ducting illegal mining. Mr Simukonda said foreigner national’s interest is to benefit themselves and they do not mind.
