Govt defends soldier deployment to mines

Government has defended the deployment of defense and security personnel to mining sites to tackle illegal mining activities. Chief Government Spokesperson Cornelius Mweetwa says minerals must benefit the Zambian people in an orderly manner. Mr Mweetwa, who is also Minister of Information and Media, says the presence of soldiers at mining sites follows increased exploitation of gold, manganese, copper, sugilite, tin, lithium and other mineral commodities largely conducted by artisanal and small-scale miners across the country.

that the Minister said this on Hot FM program dubbed, “Hot seat” that the government wants the mining sector to be legal through structured formations. He pointed out that illegal mines are fertile grounds that breed instability hence deploying men and women in uniform is purely a security concern and matter of the State. Mr Mweetwa who identified some of the hotspot areas, explained that illegal mining activities in the country had triggered other unlawful practices, including mineral smuggling, environmental pollution and increased influx of foreign nationals.

“Illegal mines are a recipe for foreigners and fertile grounds for instability. Therefore, the deployment of soldiers is purely a security matter,” he said. He said to address the issue holistically, the government emphasized the need to formalize artisanal and small-scale miners by issuing mining licenses through the formation of mining cooperatives, thereby increasing local participation in the mineral value chain.

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And Mr Mweetwa says the appreciation of the Kwacha against the US dollar is a reflection of Zambia’s resilience, reform-driven growth and the promise of a more stable, investor-friendly economy. He said this surge reflects a mix of strong policy reforms, renewed investor confidence and key sectoral recoveries. He expressed hope that the strength of the Kwacha would further reduce inflation rate, lower import costs and restore stability. “Zambia’s economic fundamentals are showing real progress, from a record maize harvest and successful debt restructuring to a booming copper industry and rising foreign investment,” he said.

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