Unregulated Gold Miners Pocket K50M Daily in Mumbwa’s Nangoma Area, CEJ Reveals

Unregulated gold miners in Nangoma, Mumbwa District, are estimated to be pocketing 50 million Kwacha daily, according to the Centre for Environment Justice (CEJ). 

This revelation was made during a community symposium organised by CEJ under the ‘Voices for Climate Justice and Natural Resource Governance’ project, supported by the Southern Africa Trust (SAT).

CEJ Head of Research and Studies, Freeman Mubanga, disclosed that the area hosts 50 unregulated gold grinding machines, each producing one kilogram of gold worth one million Kwacha. 

The gold, sold on the local black market, results in significant financial losses for Zambia, as it is untaxed and contributes to illicit financial flows in the extractive industries.

Mr Mubanga highlighted the potential benefits of regulated gold markets, stating that the gold could fetch three times its local black market value overseas. This could significantly transform the Nangoma area and benefit the nation economically.

He further emphasised that the Constitution of Zambia, under Article 255 (Amendment Act of 2016), mandates the protection of natural resources, including gold, recognising their environmental, economic, social, and cultural value. 

Unregulated miners, however, evade environmental protection responsibilities and do not contribute to the Environmental Protection Fund, leaving the government to bear the costs of rectifying environmental damage.

Mr Mubanga called for cooperation with state organs to ensure a clean, safe, and healthy environment, stressing the importance of existing laws that promote ecological sustainability and responsible resource use. 

He also drew attention to the severe consequences of unregulated mining, including harassment and fatalities among local populations.

Senior Headman Kaliindi praised CEJ for their efforts in raising awareness about environmental, land, and human rights issues. Head Woman Kapapa of Nangoma echoed the need for further sensitisation, particularly as mining is a relatively new activity in the area.

The CEJ Communications Unit continues to advocate for the proper regulation of gold mining to safeguard the environment and ensure fair economic benefits for the local and national community.