Green Economy and Environment Minister Collins Nzovu has ordered for a temporary pause in operations at Kabwe’s black mountain to enable the youth led cooperative on site to employ qualified machine operators.
Mr Nzovu says mining is a complex undertaking which requires specialized skills and competent manpower.
The minister has since directed officials in his ministry to guide youth led mining cooperatives in acquiring necessary documents before they start operating.
Mr. Nzovu says as much as government is encouraging youths to form cooperatives, they must apply for permits and ensure they are compliant with the law.
The Minister said this when he visited the black mountain site being run by Kabwe Kamukuba youth cooperative.
And Kabwe Kamukuba youth Cooperative Chairman Easton Ngoma and his Secretary Wesley Njovu assured the Mr. Nzovu that the cooperative will urgently attend to the issues raised by the inspection team.