Q FM Africa's Modern Radio
Care for Nature Zambia says artisanal and Small Scale Mining remains an issue of concern in Luapula Province.
Organization Executive director Nsama Kearns says there is urgent need to address the numerous issues surrounding mining in the province so that viable industries that will contribute to national revenue and development can be established.
Mrs. Kearns states that her recent visit to Chipongoma Community at Soft Kaunda village located near the Musonda falls where men and women mine flat stones revealed that the artisanal miners are operating in an unsafe and hazardous environment with women even going to the site with children.
She states that in as much as the local people need to benefit from the natural resources, there is need for them to be educated on the need to conduct mining in a safe and sustainable manner. Mrs. Kearns has since called upon the mine safety department, the International Labour Organisation, and other relevant stakeholders including Members of Parliament to increase engagements with the artisanal miners across the country on the need to conduct mining in a safe and sustainable manner.