By Mwaka Mwansa
UPND Media Director Mark Simuuwe has clarified that land and mineral rights in Zambia are governed by the Constitution and more than 23 Acts of Parliament—not customary law.
Mr. Simuuwe said laws such as the Mines and Minerals Act, Minerals Regulation Commission Act, and the Geological and Minerals Development Act regulate mining, and traditional leaders have no legal mandate to authorize mineral exploitation.
He emphasized that no individual has the right to own land or engage in mining without proper documentation, and no miner is permitted to use weapons or force to conduct mining operations.
Simuuwe expressed sympathy for recent clashes between police and illegal miners that resulted in loss of life but stressed that the government’s primary goal is to curb criminality, not harm its citizens.
He urged Zambians to engage in safe, legal mining practices and warned against criminal acts being masked by political motives.
“Let us not allow criminality to hide behind politics,” he said, highlighting cases where young people died in unsafe mining activities. He called for proper training and documentation to address illegal mining and urged the public to prioritize protecting the living while sympathizing with the them
