Illegal mining claims over 100 lives since 2023

Home Affairs and Internal Security Minister Jack Mwiimbu has announced that over 100 people have died since 2023 due to illegal mining activities.

Mwiimbu gave a ministerial statement to Parliament, addressing the latest incident which occurred earlier this month at Kikonge Gold Mine in Mufumbwe District, North Western Province, where three illegal miners died following a confrontation with police officers. The home affairs minister expressed condolences to the families of the deceased.

In the lead up to the latest incident, illegal miners mobilised in order to attack the deployed police officers at the camp. The situation escalated as the miners advanced aggressively, putting the officers’ lives under imminent threat.

Police attempted to restore order using teargas canisters and rubber bullets. Twelve officers were injured, two of whom remain hospitalised. Three miners, who were shot in the legs to prevent further violence, later died from excessive bleeding.

Minister Mwiimbu stressed that under Cap 107 Section 24-part C, police are legally empowered to use necessary force when lives are endangered.

He condemned the continued loss of life due to unsafe mining practices and announced enhanced measures to tackle illegal mining, including:

i. Deploying police officers to cordon off and deter illegal miners;
ii. Collaborating with other defence and security wings to use drones to monitor the sites;
iii. Sensitising communities on the dangers of illegal mining; and
iv. Engaging with local communities to encourage reporting of illegal mining activities.