Multiple groups worry gemstone diggers

October 30, 2012 | Filed under: Local News | Posted by: web editor

From ALEX NJOVU in Lufwanyama
THE Emerald and Semi-Precious Stones Mining Association of Zambia (ESMAZ) says the proliferation of associations representing small-scale miners in the gemstone sector is worrying.
ESMAZ president Dale Litana said in an interview in Lufwanyama over the weekend that the proliferation of associations representing small-scale miners in the gemstone sector should be discouraged.
“We have so many associations which are being formed in the gemstone sector which don’t even have an agenda for the people. They are promising people a lot of things which they cannot even fulfill,” Mr Litana said.
He said the proliferation of associations has compromised security in the gemstone sector.
Mr Litana called on government to scrutinise some associations before registering them.
“Government should ensure that it scrutinises these associations before registering them. It must look at their agenda and what value they will add to the sector instead of just registering them because
some of them don’t have any agenda for the people,” Mr Litana said.
He said ESMAZ is working with government to develop Lufwanyama.
Mr Litana also said ESMAZ is happy with the contribution of Kagem Mining Limited to the development of Lufwanyama.
Mr Litana said government should consider giving incentives to companies like Kagem Mining Limited which are working towards alleviating poverty in the communities they operate in.
“Kagem mine is performing well, the company is paying taxes to government and its corporate social responsibility policy is good because our people are benefiting a lot. We have seen a lot of projects being implemented by the company,” Mr Litana said.
He urged Lufwanyama residents to continue working with Kagem Mining Limited to develop the district.
And Emeralds Production Watch of Zambia (EPWZ) president Musa Kafimbwa said in a separate interview that Mr Litana’s sentiments are timely.
Mr Kafimbwa said it is important for associations representing small- scale miners to work together.
“When a number of heads work together, a lot of positive things are normally achieved and my big brother Mr Litana is right on this one,” Mr Kafimbwa said.