Opposition Green Party President, Peter Sinkamba, has criticized government’s decision to allocate larger portions of gold mining rights to investors, calling it unfair and counterproductive.
This follows an announcement by the Ministry of Mines indicating plans to collaborate with large-scale investors to boost gold mining operations in Zambia.
But Speaking in an interview with RCV News in Lusaka today, Mr. Sinkamba said government should have instead opted for an equal distribution of mining rights between cooperatives and investors to promote job creation and economic empowerment.
“The decision by the government is wrong as cooperatives should have been given a 50% share so they too can benefit,” said Mr. Sinkamba.
He cited the Mufumbwe gold mining site as a missed opportunity, arguing that government should have conducted a comprehensive survey to identify local miners who discovered the site and make them shareholders as a form of empowerment.
Mr. Sinkamba warned that such decisions will continue to impoverish Zambia while enriching foreign countries.
By Christabel Kamunu.
