Over 1,000 Illegal Miners Vacate Kikonge Gold Mine After Army Warning

More than 1,000 illegal miners have vacated the Kikonge Gold Mine in Mufumbwe District following a stern directive issued by Zambia Army Commander, Lieutenant General Geoffrey Zyeele.

Lieutenant General Zyeele warned all illegal miners occupying the site to leave immediately or face forceful removal by security personnel. The warning was aimed at restoring order at the mine and creating space for registered cooperatives and licensed artisanal miners to operate within the confines of the law.

Following the directive, a large number of illegal miners voluntarily left the area, easing tensions that had been building around the mine due to overcrowding, safety concerns, and rising criminal activities.

Local residents have expressed mixed reactions to the development. Some community members have welcomed the move, saying it will help reduce accidents, crime, and environmental degradation associated with illegal mining. Others, however, have raised concerns that many families relied on illegal mining as their primary source of income and now face economic hardship.

Authorities have reiterated their commitment to promoting lawful mining activities while engaging stakeholders to ensure that community interests and livelihoods are considered. Government officials have also emphasized the importance of compliance with mining regulations to ensure safety, sustainability, and equitable economic benefits.

Efforts are ongoing to regularize mining operations at Kikonge Gold Mine as part of broader measures to enhance security and responsible mineral exploitation in the district.