Vice President, Mutale Nalumango, has called for concerted national efforts in tackling illegal mining activities across the country.
Mrs. Nalumango urged stakeholders to focus on finding lasting solutions rather than engaging in blame games.
She said this in the National Assembly today, during the Vice President’s Question time.
“This is not the time to start pointing fingers at one another, but rather a time to bring out solutions that will help fight this illegality,” said Mrs, Nalumango.
The Vice President expressed concern that, despite the government’s efforts to support small-scale miners through the issuance of artisanal mining licenses, some individuals have continued to operate illegally, actions that do not contribute to the national treasury.
Mrs. Nalumango disagreed, stating that illegal mining is a violation of the law and that individuals who choose to operate outside legal frameworks must be held accountable.
The Vice President further called on all Zambians to unite in fighting illegal mining, stressing that this issue goes beyond political affiliations and affects the nation as a whole.
She was responding to Chama North Member of Parliament Yotam Mtayachalo, who asked her whether government will take full responsibility for the recent killings in Mufumbwe linked to illegal gold mining.
By Christabel Kamunu
