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The Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development has suspended operations at two Chinese-operated mines in Kasempa after uncovering illegal processing of gold and copper ore.
The affected companies, Sino Octascene Mine and Ken Reliable Mine, were found operating without the required mineral processing licenses.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, Ministry Permanent Secretary Hapenga Kabeta said he personally led an inspection team, alongside officials from the Mine Safety Department, which discovered substantial stockpiles of gold- and copper-bearing ore already prepared for processing at the two mines.
Kabeta explained that investigations revealed the firms had been conducting unauthorized mineral processing for an unspecified period.
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He said when questioned, mine officials failed to produce valid documentation or provide satisfactory explanations regarding the operations.
“As a result, the ministry has seized the ore stockpiles at both sites and instructed law enforcement officers to secure the materials until proper documentation is presented,” Kabeta said.
He added that the sources of the seized ore would be investigated further and warned that any illegal activities linked to the operations would be “sternly dealt with.”
Kabeta reiterated government’s commitment to fighting illegal mining, particularly in the gold sector, and underscored the importance of transparency in mineral trade to support national development.
“The ministry is tightening monitoring mechanisms for mineral processing plants across the country to ensure full compliance with existing regulations,” he said.
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