By 
Government has sought the Zambia Army’s intervention to address escalating illegal mining activities in Mpika, following reports of miners being trapped at illegal mining sites and property being destroyed.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development Permanent Secretary, Hapenga Kabeta, said the situation required urgent action to protect human life, public safety and security.
He said the government could no longer delay intervention as illegal mining activities continued to pose risks to communities.
“The consequences of continuously postponing action are now becoming evident, particularly as the situation is turning into a matter of life and death. We must act before it gets out of control,” Kabeta said.
Read more: Zambia police chief orders officers to crack down on illegal mining
Speaking during a meeting with Zambia Army officers in Lusaka, Kabeta reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to working with the military to combat illegal mining and maintain peace in mining communities.
“The Ministry values its longstanding relationship with the Zambia Army, which had previously supported efforts to restore order in areas affected by illegal mining,” he said.
Kabeta cited the military’s intervention in Mufumbwe in December 2025, following a request from the Ministry for assistance in addressing illegal mining activities.
He said the intervention had helped improve peace and stability in the area, which remained under Zambia Army surveillance as the programme continued.
Kabeta said the experience in Mufumbwe demonstrated the importance of cooperation between the Ministry and security institutions in addressing illegal mining.
He said the two institutions needed to coordinate their efforts to address the situation in Mpika and ensure that mining activities were conducted within the law.
Kabeta expressed confidence that the meeting would enable the Ministry and the Zambia Army to agree on concrete measures and a clear course of action to curb illegal mining in the district.
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.
Comments