Zambia is grappling with a pervasive issue of illegal mining, which poses significant threats to its economic stability, national security, environmental integrity, and the well-being of its citizens. The government, under President Hakainde Hichilema, has unequivocally committed to ensuring that Zambia's vast natural resources serve as a blessing for both current and future generations, advocating for open management, responsible extraction, and fair distribution.

Chief Communication Specialist Clayson Hamasaka has highlighted the President’s steadfast commitment, emphasizing that illegal mining is far from harmless. It actively fuels organised crime, undermines national security, causes severe environmental destruction, and unjustly deprives citizens of their rightful share of Zambia’s mineral wealth. The ongoing government clampdown on these illicit activities is a decisive measure designed to safeguard the nation’s mineral wealth for the benefit of all, rather than a select few. Furthermore, this initiative provides crucial protection against the negative patterns observed in other regions, where criminal syndicates establish control over mining sites, terrorise local communities, and perpetuate instability.

The Acton Institute for Policy Analysis Centre (AIPAC) has strongly urged Zambians to refrain from politicising the Zambia Army’s operations against illegal mining. AIPAC Executive Director Solomon Ngoma asserted that those attempting to politicise these actions likely harbor hidden agendas or benefit directly from the illegal mining activities now prevalent across nearly ten provinces. Ngoma underscored that the Zambia Army must be allowed to fulfill its constitutional mandate of defending and safeguarding national peace and stability without undue interference. He stressed that illegal mining is not merely an economic crime but a direct national security threat that erodes Zambia’s sovereignty and stability.

Intelligence reports confirm that the situation had escalated beyond the scope of routine policing, necessitating the deployment of military forces. Simuuwe indicated that some illegal gold miners are armed and supported by undocumented foreigners who supply weapons. This grave situation has linked illegal mining to broader criminal networks, extensive environmental damage, and cross-border smuggling. Warnings from countries like the Democratic Republic of Congo and the Central African Republic, where mercenary involvement and foreign interference have destabilised governments, serve as stark reminders of the potential consequences if decisive action is not taken to counter these threats. President Hichilema, like any future leader, bears the solemn responsibility of safeguarding national peace, and Defence Forces are deployed only when credible and verified intelligence has been received.

Ngoma clarified that remarks made by the Army Commander, Lt. General Geoffrey Zyeele, reflecting the gravity of intelligence reports, should not be misinterpreted or politicised, as they were directed at hardened criminals infiltrating Zambia with malicious intent, not ordinary citizens. He lauded the Zambia Army’s decisive actions, which have already secured cooperation from miners in Mufumbwe, demonstrating the effectiveness of lawful and coordinated operations.

The government acknowledges the vital role played by artisanal and small-scale miners in the economy, clarifying that the clampdown is not targeting those who wish to mine legally and responsibly. To further this goal, President Hichilema has authorised expert teams to study international best practices, focusing particularly on how nations like the United Arab Emirates in the Middle East have successfully managed and regulated their natural assets to achieve sustainable economic growth, improved infrastructure, and enhanced quality of life for their citizens. The Ministry of Mines has already initiated mechanisms to legalise the trade in gold and other minerals in a manner that mutually benefits both the country and its people.

Chapter One Foundation has also recognised the serious risks posed by illegal mining to national security, public order, the environment, and Zambia’s lawful economy, alongside public concerns regarding irregular and illegal migration linked to organised criminal networks and cross-border offences. Both AIPAC and other stakeholders firmly stand with the Defence Forces, advocating for immediate, lawful, and coordinated action by the Army in concert with other security agencies to restore and preserve Zambia’s hard-won peace, security, and stability for future generations.