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This comes in the wake of some opposition leaders who have inundated traditional and social media with articles condemning the deployment of special forces at Mufumbwe’s Kikonge gold mine, where illegal miners have been removed without any bloodshed.
Prior to the professionally executed exercise at Kikonge gold mine, Zambia Army Commander Lieutenant General Geoffrey Zyeele had warned of severe consequences against illegal miners, some of whom are from foreign countries with sophisticated weaponry.
Other than Zambia losing its mineral wealth through prohibited mining, the criminality has resulted in loss of several lives of youth, who are engaged by foreign elements to excavate gold on their behalf.
“Some opposition leaders appear to advocate for uncontrolled mining practices which jeopardise Zambia’s peace, stability and security,” Mr Hamasaka said.
“They must explain to the Zambian people whether illegal mining serves their own purposes, and whether they are willing to risk the lawlessness, violence and environmental destruction that have ravaged other nations”.
Mr Hamasaka said President Hichilema holds both a moral and constitutional duty to uphold law and order across Zambia – including within the nation’s economic sectors.
“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 a few.
“This 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 said.
Illegal mining is far from harmless – it fuels organised crime, undermines national security, destroys the environment, and strips citizens of their rightful share of Zambia’s resources.
Mr Hamasaka said Government recognises the vital role artisanal and small-scale miners play in Zambia’s economy.
“This initiative is not aimed at those who wish to mine legally and responsibly. Our natural resources are meant to be a blessing, not a burden – contributing to the nation’s Treasury and supporting every Zambian,” he said.
Mr Hamasaka said the President is committed to ensuring that mining operations are conducted with transparency, within the law, and for the benefit of all.
To advance this goal, the head of State has authorised expert teams to study international best practices, with a focus on how Middle Eastern countries (such as United Arab Emirates) have successfully managed and regulated their natural assets.
“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.
“Conversely, where governance has failed and resources have been mismanaged, countries have suffered environmental devastation and conflict over mineral-rich territory,” he said.
President Hichilema has consistently emphasised that open and disciplined resource management is essential for Zambia’s progress.
“Revenue from lawful mining is essential to Government’s development agenda: free education, accessible healthcare, agricultural investment, and modern infrastructure,” Mr Hamasaka said.
“Every ounce of copper, every gramme of gold extracted legally contributes to Zambia’s future. Every resource stolen by criminal operations is a school not built, a road not paved, a clinic not staffed”.
Already, 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.
Mr Hamasaka said the Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development has already started the process of establishing a mechanism to legalise the gold trade and other minerals in a manner that benefits the country and its citizens.
