By IREEN MULENGA
The Emeralds and Semi-Precious Stones Mining Association of Zambia (ESMAZ) President Victor Kalesha says he is dismayed that the country has continued losing natural resources through illegal mining being conducted by some foreign investors.
Mr Kalesha has also called on Government to take action towards individuals protecting foreign investors that do not mean well for the country.
“It’s high time that we take stock of our resources, and interest in the minerals that we have, let’s do proper exploration of our rich mineral resources and be proud of it, we cannot afford be see certain individuals protecting illegal miners and sideling their own people Zambians not benefiting from the resources,” he said.
He said there is need for President Hakainde Hichilema to take interest in the revelations made by UPND Youth Deputy Chairperson Steven Chikota who threatened to reveal the names of senior Government officials, who he alleges have been paid by a named company in Luapula Province to illegally mine Sugilite.
Mr Kalesha said that if the matter is left unchecked the country will continue to lose revenue.
