The Zambia Revenue Authority – ZRA has refused to name the illegal exporter of one of Zambia’s emerging strategic minerals, Lithium, despite the fact that the discovery and impounding was based on a tip-off.
ZRA has thwarted an attempted illegal export of Lithium and impounded the truck at the Kazungula One Stop Border Post – OSBT after a tip-off.
The refusal to name the culprits involved has raised suspicion that they may be connected to powerful politicians and highly connected individuals.
The Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) has impounded and seized one truck for attempted smuggling of one of Zambia’s strategic minerals- Lithium Ore reported to be worth about K300,000 (about $15,000). The total number of trucks involved has not yet been verified.
The interception happened at the Kazungula One Stop Border Post (OSBP) following investigations against a cartel of exporters misclassifying the export of valuable mineral products.
ZRA disclosed that an export-bound truck ferrying what was initially said to be Silica Sand was impounded at Kazungula Border Post for verification after a tip-off that it was carrying Lithium Ore.
Samples were then collected from the truck to verify the actual content of the mineral ferried by the truck.
The exporters had declared exporting 29 tonnes of Silica Sands worth a paltry K18,600 when in fact the truck was carrying Lithium Ore with a mineral content of 1.71% worth about K300,000.
When asked by the Zambian Business Times – ZBT, to name the exporter, ZRA Corporate Communications Manager Oliver Nzala told the Zambian Business Times – ZBT that “at the moment, we have reserved to name the people involved due to taxpayer confidentiality.”
However, it is argued that when it relates to illegal activities, tax evasion, tip-offs, or matters of national interest, the client confidentiality requirement is over ridden by wider national interest.
Southern Province Minister Cornelius Mweetwa had last month in an exclusive interview with ZBT refuted allegations that politically connected individuals had been illegally mining Lithium at Mapatizya district of Southern Province, see link (https://www.facebook.com/100063674815385/posts/811276407671512/?app=fbl”
Lithium is becoming an increasingly important commodity in the global economy, with many countries seeking to secure reliable sources of this critical resource.
It is considered a strategic mineral in many Countries due to its significant role in the global economy as it is a key component in the massively expanding production of rechargeable electric batteries, which are crucial for powering electronic devices such as smartphones, laptops, and electric vehicles.
Given its importance in modern technology, many countries view lithium as a critical resource and are actively seeking to secure their own domestic supplies.
Meanwhile, Nzala disclosed that a penalty of K90,000 has been imposed on the exporter for false declaration of the export mineral.
“The Authority working together with the Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development has intensified its mineral quality and mineral valuation verification activities at the borders after noting that a number of mineral exporters have been presenting false samples when applying for Mineral Export Permits.
This results in Export Permits for minerals with different quality and values to those finally exported. It is for this reason that samples that are further subjected to testing at various Government and private Laboratories, are being collected at the point of export to verify the accuracy of declarations by mineral exporters.” Remarked Nzala.
“Although smugglers keep evolving with new tricks, we shall not give up enforcement and we are also collaborating as government agencies through sharing of information which we are using to net offenders.” He added.
