Government creating Miners’ Day, Hichilema tells Luanshya electorate
PRESIDENT Hakainde Hichilema says the government is creating a dedicated Miners’ Day to address challenges affecting workers in the mining sector.
And President Hichilema says his administration is fully aware of the difficulties miners are facing and is committed to finding lasting solutions.
Addressing scores of Luanshya residents at Mikomfwa Stadium, President Hichilema said the revival of Shaft 28 has already created employment opportunities by returning more people to work.
“We hear you miners. That is why we, as government, are creating a dedicated platform to deal with mining sector challenges head-on,” he said.
President Hichilema said the designated Miners’ Day will provide an opportunity for government and stakeholders to discuss challenges affecting miners and identify practical solutions.
He said the reopening of Shaft 28 marked a significant step in reviving the mining sector, adding that government is now focusing on settling historical obligations.
“After reopening Shaft 28, which has seen more people going back to work, we are now working on ensuring former Mpelembe Drilling, RACOZ and Serios employees are paid their benefits,” he said.
The Head of State also announced the immediate recruitment of volunteers in the health and education sectors.
Meanwhile, President Hichilema said government will create more employment opportunities through two new industrial projects—an ethanol plant and an explosives plant—which will be established in Luanshya.
In a move aimed at improving livelihoods for young people, the President said government is engaging owners of mining dumpsites to allow legal small-scale mining operations.
“We will sit down with the owners of these sites to negotiate so that you start operating from there, just like we did in Chingola. But please do not go there and start illegal mining. We need to prepare you so that no one dies there,” he said.
President Hichilema added that no one is being left behind as the UPND administration continues implementing programmes aimed at improving people’s lives.
© TV Yatu | Sanfrossa Mberi | August 6, 2026.