Govt to Establish Minerals Regulation Commission

By Fortune Sinyangwe

Mines and Minerals Development Minister PAUL KABUSWE says implementation of the Minerals Regulation Commission which will oversee all mining operations is underway.

Mr. KABUSWE said the Mine Safety Department does not have the capability to monitor and conduct inspections in all mining companies which cover over 750, 000 square kilometers of land in the province.

Speaking during the water bodies’ pollution indaba in Kitwe, Mr. KABUSWE said the Minerals commission will reinforce all laws and regulations and also take full stock of mineral production.

And Copperbelt Province Minister ELISHA MATAMBO added that compensation of the affected people must not be overlooked but taken seriously as their livelihoods have been negatively affected.

Speaking at the same event, Sino Metals Chairperson PEIWEN ZHANG said the company has taken full responsibility of the disaster and has called on other mining companies to take caution following their mistake.