PRESIDENT HICHILEMA CALLS FOR SHARING OF MINERAL RESOURCES
President Hakainde Hichilema says minerals discovered in all parts of the country will be exploited to benefit first the immediate local communities and the country as a whole.
President Hichilema says the understanding that mineral resources discovered in a particular location can only benefit that community should not be the case.
The President was speaking when he paid a courtesy call on chief Chibwika on the sidelines of the official opening of Kasenseli Gold Mine in Mwinilunga district today.
President Hichilema was particularly delighted to have opened the Kasenseli gold mine which is a partnership between government and the people in the host communities.
Mr Hichilema informed Chief Chibwika that he has issued instructions that the young people who discovered the gold at Kasenseli gold mine be given special treatment for their contributions to the discovery of the mineral.
The President said he is aware of issues affecting the new mining areas such as safety gaps which has led to loss of lives stating that government will only operationalise mines which have met minimum operational standards.
“As government we want to see the mine operate in a safe environment where lives are not lost so that it can benefit the local people and the Country as a whole,” Mr Hichilema said.
He added that government has embraced dialogue with host communities and all stakeholders in ironing out any issues regarding how mines can be more beneficial to host communities.
And Chief Chibwika expressed happiness for having the Head of State open the Kasenseli gold mine.
He stressed on the need to have benefits from the mine trickle down to his subjects.
Chief Chibwika said the Chiefdom and the District in general is expectant and confident of a lot of more developmental projects from President Hichilema and his government as evidenced by the many more developments happening under CDF.
“We have seen a lot of developments in CDF projects and we are expecting to see even more projects in other sectors including the mines,” chief Chibwika said.
ZANIS reports that Kasenseli gold mine is operating under Kamunshishi minerals resources limited as a joint venture between Chibwika chiefdom development trust (CCDT) at five percent shares and Zambia Gold company with 95 percent shares.
Zanis