Government has indicated its intention to include the mining of sugilite in its mineral profile to allow the country effectively benefit from the mineral resource.
This follows revelations of the lucrative mineral in Chembe district of Luapula province.
In his Ministerial Statement in parliament, Mines Minister Paul Kabuswe says following the illegal mining activities within the license area, a named company went to court and obtained a restraining order which they were granted.
He says the Ministry and the company that was conducting the exploration at the mining site has since facilitated the deployment of the police presence to prevent the illegal mining.
The Minister further said that the Ministry is in the process of refining the legal framework that governs the mining sector for both foreign and local investors.
By Victoria Kayeye Yambani