Chief Chipepo of the Tonga-speaking people in Gwembe District, Southern Province, has chased away a Chinese investor, Feedar Investment Company, for allegedly mining coal without consent from traditional leadership or the local community.
Speaking to Diamond News, the Chief said the company began mineral exploration without approval from the Ministry of Mines or registration with the Zambia Environmental Management Agency (ZEMA).
He said checks with the Ministry of Mines revealed that the company had not applied for permission to mine coal in the area, prompting him to order the investor to halt operations.
Chief Chipepo further alleged that Gwembe Member of Parliament Tyson Simuzingili and Gwembe Town Council Chairperson Collet Ndhlovu allowed the investor to operate, allegedly citing instructions from the President.
He has since warned the two officials against interfering in matters relating to customary land, emphasizing that such land belongs to the people and contains sacred shrines and graves that must be protected.
Meanwhile, the Chief has urged government to strengthen mining regulations and prevent foreign investors from exploiting gold resources, calling on institutions such as the Bank of Zambia to take a leading role in gold investment.
By Helga Chibwe
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