Melo News | Wednesday, August 7, 2024 | Lusaka
The Small-Scale Miners Association of Zambia has issued a strong call to the government, urging an immediate halt to all mining activities at the Senseli Open-Pit Mine in Chingola until the ongoing rescue operations for the victims of last December’s mining accident are fully completed.
Kelvin Tembo, the Acting President of the Association, expressed concerns that continuing mining operations during the rescue efforts poses significant risks, potentially leading to an even greater disaster than the one experienced last year.
Tembo emphasized the necessity of suspending all mining activities at the site and closing off access, particularly amid allegations that some high-ranking government officials may be involved in the ongoing operations.
He pointed out that the current unrest at the mine stems from the presence of a company operating in the pit, which is not affiliated with small-scale miners.
In response, Commerce, Trade and Industry Minister Chipoka Mulenga clarified over the weekend that the companies currently working at the mine hold valid licenses and have been operational since before the UPND took power.
