Luapula Manganese Miners May Lose Licences

Government has threatened to cancel mining licenses for all manganese mines in Luapula province that have abandoned their sites giving way to illegal mining.Mines Minister Richard Musukwa says government has noted with concern that most manganese license holders are not on site paving way for thousands of illegal miners to take over these mineral rich  sites.The Minister also said some license holders have also failed to work with chiefs and communities in the areas of operation.Mr. Musukwa, who was speaking after touring Lwenge mine in Lubwe area of Chifunabuli constituency, also held a closed door meeting with traditional leaders in Luapula province on the need to harmonize the manganese sector in the region.Mr Musukwa, who has been touring selected manganese mines in Luapula province also met mine owners to address issues raised by Chiefs and the communities.At all three meetings Mr. Musukwa emphasized the need for local communities to start benefiting from their mineral wealth.He also took a swipe at license holders at Lwenge abusing women and children in the sorting and loading of Manganese through cheap labor.And Luapula province Minister Nickson Chilangwa said government will no longer entertain the lawlessness at Lwenge mine in Chifunabuli.Mr. Musukwa and officials from mine safety department are in Luapula Province to check on operations in Manganese mines.The Minister will also check on illegal mining activities in Mkushi Central province. Post Views: 10
News Source: ZNBC