Hichilema warns against gold smuggling, pledges crackdown on illegal mining

President Hakainde Hichilema has warned that no large, medium, or small-scale miner will be allowed to destabilize communities or engage in criminal activities at sites such as the Kikonge Gold Mine in North Western Province or elsewhere in the country.

Speaking at the 2025 Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining (ASM) Conference in Lusaka on Tuesday, the President urged miners to trade through formal channels and desist from smuggling gold, cautioning that offenders would face the full force of the law, including imprisonment.

“I want to encourage all stakeholders to utilize formal trading channels for gold transactions. Smuggling gold through unconventional means, such as using Ukwa bags to the airport, is illegal,” President Hichilema stressed.

The conference, held under the theme “Unlocking ASM Potential for Inclusive and Sustainable Development” at Mulungushi Conference Center, highlighted government efforts to promote responsible mining practices and enhance security in mining areas.

The Head of State also dismissed claims that his administration had ceded tax revenue to mining companies, clarifying that such assertions were inaccurate.

“Government’s stance on illegal mining activities is clear, and measures will be taken to ensure the sector operates within the law, promoting a secure and transparent mining environment that benefits both miners and the country,” he said.

WARNING! All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express permission from ZAMBIA MONITOR.