By Ellen Hambuba & Mwila Nsofu
State House says President HAKAINDE HICHILEMA holds both a moral and constitutional duty to uphold law and order across Zambia, including within the nation’s economic sectors.
State House Chief Communications Specialist CLAYSON HAMASAKA says the ongoing clampdown against illegal mining is a decisive measure to guarantee that Zambia’s mineral wealth serves the interests of all citizens, rather than the few.
Mr. HAMASAKA says the initiative also provides vital protection against the negative patterns emerging in other regions, where criminal syndicates seize control of mining sites, terrorise communities, and generate persistent instability.
He says Illegal mining is far from harmless, as it fuels organised crime, undermines national security, destroys the environment, and strips citizens of their rightful share of Zambia’s resources.
In a statement to ZNBC News, Mr HAMASAKA said the government recognises the vital role that artisanal and small-scale miners play in Zambia’s economy.
He said this initiative is not aimed at those who wish to mine legally and responsibly.
Mr. HAMASAKA said Zambia’s natural resources are meant to be a blessing, not a burden—contributing to the nation’s treasury and supporting every Zambian.
He said President HICHILEMA is committed to ensuring that mining operations are conducted with transparency, within the law, and for the benefit of all.
Mr. HAMASAKA said to advance this goal, the President has authorised expert teams to study international best practices, with a focus on how Middle Eastern countries such as the United Arab Emirates –UAE- have successfully managed and regulated their natural assets.
He said in regions where resources such as oil have been managed responsibly, nations have achieved sustainable economic growth, advanced infrastructure, and improved quality of life for their people.
Mr. HAMASAKA said conversely, where governance has failed and resources have been mismanaged, countries have suffered environmental devastation and conflict over mineral-rich territory.
He said the President has consistently emphasised that open and disciplined resource management is essential for Zambia’s progress.
Mr. HAMASAKA said revenue from lawful mining is essential to the government’s development agenda, free education, accessible healthcare, agricultural investment, and modern infrastructure.
He stressed that every ounce of copper, every gram of gold extracted legally contributes to Zambia’s future, while every resource stolen by criminal operations is a school not built, a road not paved, a clinic not staffed.
Mr. HAMASAKA said thousands of Zambians; particularly youth have received mining licences and training in safe, legal, and environmentally responsible mining, thereby protecting both national interests and community welfare.
He said government, through the Ministry of Mines, has already started the process of establishing a mechanism to legalise the trade of gold and other minerals in a manner that benefits the country and its citizens.
Meanwhile, Mr. HAMASAKA said it is deeply concerning that some opposition leaders appear to advocate for uncontrolled mining practices, which jeopardise Zambia’s peace, stability, and security.
He said the opposition must explain to the Zambian people whether illegal mining serves their own purposes, and if they are willing to risk the lawlessness, violence, and environmental destruction that has ravaged other nations.
Mr. HAMASAKA said President HICHILEMA’s commitment is clear, Zambia’s resources will be a blessing for this generation and those to come, managed openly, extracted responsibly, and shared fairly.
