Zambia Army Commander has ordered for the immediate removal of all illegal gold miners including prohibited immigrants and fake license holders from Chief Shikabeta’s area in Rufunsa district.
Addressing miners in the area, Lieutenant General Geoffrey Choongo Zyeele, emphasized that there will be no mining until order is restored with guidance from the Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development.
“It is an opportunity for you to make things right. If you know you are illegal immigrants mining here, leave, if you know you are mining here illegally, leave, if you know you are mining here without or with a fake license, leave, Lt Gen Zyeele warned.”
Lt. Gen. Zyeele, whose troops have intervened to halt the ongoing illegalities in the area, said gold mining will be sanitized to ensure safety of people, the environment and government beneficiation through taxes.
He emphasized the need for restoration of sanity in the area, as the ongoing illegalities had also led to drug dealing and other criminal elements that may compromise national security.
“We want to clean everything and have orderliness in mining here, and deal with all the downsides of illegal mining,” he added.
The Zambia Army operation dubbed “Kuchingilisha” (preventing) has halted all illegalities in the area to pave way for legal and safe mining of Gold in the area following the deployment of officers on 29th March 2026.
The are has 20 artisanal mining licenses issued by the Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development, with seven active.
Meanwhile, Lusaka Province Minister, Sheal Mulyata hailed residents for the patience as Government moved in to regulate and establish a safe, transparent, and fully regulated mining environment in the district.
Addressing licensed miners drawn from various co-operatives in the district, Ms. Mulyata, who is also Rufunsa Member of Parliament, said rampant illegal mining has deprived the nation of critical resources essential for sustainable national development.
She reiterated the government’s unwavering commitment to ensuring all mining activities are conducted strictly within the legal framework, with due regard for miners’ safety, environmental protection, and full revenue remittance to the Treasury.
“Government wants to see mining conducted within the law, with full consideration for the safety of miners, protection of the environment, and proper remittance of revenue for national development,” Ms. Mulyata stated.
She also expressed concern over the exploitation of young people in illegal mining operations, noting that the government’s firm intervention is designed to safeguard lives and secure livelihoods.
Meanwhile, Rufunsa District Commissioner, Richard Mabena, applauded Ms. Mulyata and Zambia Army Commander for personally visiting the area to explain the grave dangers of illegal mining and outline the government’s remedial measures.
The licensed miners, who are scheduled to meet with the Ministers of Mines and Minerals Development, and Small and Medium Enterprise Development this Wednesday, expressed renewed optimism about resuming operations free from threats and intimidation.
