Today, together with North Western Province Minister Hon Robert Lihefu MP. Mufumbwe Member of Parliament Hon. Eliot Kamondo MP. UPND Party officials and various stakeholders officially handed over offer letters to 90 cooperatives in Mufumbwe District as part of our continued efforts to formalize and empower artisanal and small-scale miners in our country.
These offer letters will enable the cooperatives to access training through the Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development. The training will focus on safe mining practices to help prevent unnecessary accidents and the tragic loss of life.
Following the recent gold rush at Kikonge Gold Mine, which attracted a surge in illegal mining activities, I took the opportunity to re-emphasize the firm stance of His Excellency President Hakainde Hichilema and the New Dawn Government against illegal mining. Security personnel have since been deployed to secure the mine from would-be offenders.
I’m pleased to announce that ZCCM-IH has been appointed to manage the gold resource in Mufumbwe, ensuring that the process is transparent and benefits the people.
To all cooperatives that have received offer letters—this is your chance. Once you successfully complete the training, you will be eligible to receive artisanal mining licenses.
Thank you to His Excellency for the vision and unwavering support for small-scale miners.
The journey continues!