The Ministry of Mining has issued a stern warning against mining without a valid mineral tenement or artisanal mining permit, saying it constitutes a criminal offense.
This comes barely a week after eight people died and five others were injured in a mine collapse at Kasalika Village in the area of Sub-Traditional Authority Suza in Kasungu.
A joint letter, co-signed by the Principal Secretary for the Ministry of Mining, Professor Betchani Tchereni, and the Mining and Minerals Regulatory Authority (MMRA) Director General, Samuel Sakhuta, stated that mining operations have been suspended in the entire area with immediate effect until further notice to allow the MMRA to finalize its due diligence.
“There are many people involved in illegal mining activities in the area, which pose serious risks to public safety, the environment, and the integrity of the mining sector, despite the efforts taken to curb the malpractice across the country.
MMRA will enhance enforcement by carrying out joint inspections with law enforcement agencies to close illegal operations and prosecute offenders,” reads part of the letter.
The Ministry has also appealed to chiefs, local authorities, and all actors in the sector to join forces in discouraging illegal mining and promoting legal alternatives.
“The Ministry of Mining will train cooperatives that will be formed in these areas, while the MMRA will issue small-scale mining licences to formalize the activities,” the letter further reads.
At the scene, District Commissioner James Kanyangalazi described the incident as a tragedy, saying it is heartbreaking to lose eight lives at once.
On his part, mining expert Grain Malunga said the time has come for the Ministry, in collaboration with relevant actors, to formalize gold mining, warning that failure to do so is not only retrogressive to mining activities but also a dire threat to lives and the environment.
All the remains of the deceased, including the owner of the gold mine, Geleson Mpanganazi Chibwenzi, 40, from Nkhakomiseza in Senior Chief Chilowamatambe, have been laid to rest with support from the Department of Disaster Management Affairs (DoDMA).
According to Section 4 of the Mines and Minerals Act, No. 25 of 2023, unauthorized extraction or trade of minerals is illegal, and mining must be conducted safely, legally, and for the benefit of all citizens.
By Abibo Azizi
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