United Prosperous and Peaceful Zambia (UPPZ) leader, Charles Chanda, says it is unfortunate that government is calling Small Scale Miners as illegal miners and is waging a war against them to eliminate their existence.
Mines and Minerals Development Minister, Paul Kabuswe, recently issued a stern warning against illegal mining activities, saying government will be going around the country to arrest the illegal miners, whom he said are operating in unsafe environment and are robing Zambia of the economic status.
But speaking in an interview with RCV News in Lusaka, UPPZ Mr. Chanda said government should instead offer financial help for Zambians to carry out mining activities.
He said mining rights should not be above land rights.
“The only way Zambians can benefit from their minerals is by policy change to put land rights above mining rights,” said Mr. Chanda.
He said it is disheartening that government is helping foreigners to extract the Zambian minerals at the expense of the Zambian people.
Eva Hatontola
