By Tyndale Muchiya
Defence Minister Ambrose Lufuma has addressed public concerns following recent remarks by Zambia Army Commander, Lt. Gen Geoffrey Zyeele, on the military’s intervention against prohibited mining in Mufumbwe district of North Western province.
The Commander’s reference to “exterminating” illegal mining had sparked anxiety among stakeholders, prompting calls for clarification on the Army’s actual stance and operational strategy.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with the Zambian Business Times – ZBT, Minister Lufuma clarified that the word “exterminate” was inappropriate in this context and does not reflect the government’s intentions.
“We are not going there to exterminate anyone. Our objective is to remove illegal miners from the areas they are occupying, not to harm them. Exterminate means killing, and that is not the objective of this mission.” Remarked Lufuma.
He emphasized that illegal mining is a deeply entrenched and complex challenge, likening it to a Mafioso-type organization that cannot be dismantled overnight. “It’s not something you just remove at the click of a finger. The areas are expansive, some miners are in locations that are difficult to detect, and the operation requires careful planning and execution to avoid negative consequences and ensure no bloodshed.” Lufuma said when asked about why past efforts by authorities had not yielded the much-needed results.
Lufuma assured the public that the Army is focusing on a strategy that prioritizes safety and minimizes confrontation. “We do not want a situation where force leads to loss of life. Our approach is to shepherd illegal miners out of these areas, not to use excessive force.”
He explained that once illegal miners are removed, those with legal mining licenses, such as cooperative societies, will be allowed to operate in their designated areas, with ongoing security to prevent further illegal activity.
Asked about the number of officers deployed, Lufuma declined to disclose specifics, citing operational security, but assured that the Army always conducts reconnaissance to assess the strength and resources required before any deployment.
Lufuma, further, urged the miners to cooperate with authorities for the benefit of both the community and the country. He also clarified that quantifying the number of illegal miners is not within the Ministry of Defence’s mandate, but that thorough reconnaissance is conducted prior to any operation.
Lufuma reiterated that the goal is to restore order, protect lives, and create a safe environment for legal mining, not to use excessive force.
The operation, he said, will take time but is being conducted with utmost care to avoid unnecessary conflict.
“Our intention is to bring order, ensure legal mining, and protect the safety and environment for all involved,” he concluded.
