‘CHEATING’ MINES WARNED

By KETRA KALUNGA and SILUMESI MALUMO GOVERNMENT has employed over 80 mining experts to monitor mining processes to stop cheating by mining firms. The country is losing millions in revenue through cheating by mining companies that submit low grade assay, instead of the high quality minerals they export. Mines and Minerals Development Minister, Richard Musukwa warned that Government would deal sternly with cheating mining firms. He said over 80 mining engineers had been employed to monitor mining processes and exports by mines. Mr. Musukwa said the Ministry of Mines was now analysing everything that the mines declare to stop any leakages. He said in an interview that in this regard, the government through the ministry has deployed various mining engineers in all crossing points and mining sites. Mr Musukwa added that the government has extended the employment of several inspectors in various fields ranging from metrology, geology that deal directly with the exploitation of resources from extraction, production, processing, and sales. “The issue of leakages in terms of declaration has been a historical matter and to that effect, the government has been working closely with all stakeholders to ensure that we heighten all the leakages,” he said. Mr. Musukwa also disclosed that the ministry has been working closely with the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) and has positioned its engineers in various points where ZRA operates. And the Mine Suppliers and Contractors Association of Zambia said placing ZRA officers and experts at exist points of all mining houses would ensure that Government reaps maximum benefits from mines. The association’s president, Mr Augustine Mubanga said the move would enhance transparency in the mining sector. Mr Mubanga said the experts of the Ministry of Mines would be able to scan blisters to know exact minerals it had and the ZRA officers would know the value of the minerals. He said in an interview yesterday, this would then help the revenue realised from the minerals to trickle down to the economy. Mr Mubanga said “it is important that this is considered so that the country can start benefitting from its mineral resources.from its mineral resources.