(ZNBC News)-Mines and Minerals Development Minister PAUL KABUSWE says his Ministry will engage the Ministry of Finance and Zambia Revenue Authority ZRA to include Lithium Ore in the Mineral Analysis database.
Mr. KABUSWE says his Ministry needs to establish how much lithium is being mined, where it is being sold and the pricing.
He says at the moment, Lithium Ore is not in the Mineral Analysis database and his ministry is yet to ascertain the quantity of lithium being mined in Mapatizya by a named license holder.
Speaking when he visited the mine pits in Mapatizya, Mr. KABUSWE also directed officers under the geological survey department to summon the license holder of the mine because he has subjected the locals to engage in unsafe mining activities which is risking their lives.
The Minister also expressed concern with reports that the license holder has been conducting his mining activities with an expired license and without honouring his pledge when applying for the license.
He has since assured the locals that his office will conduct the necessary investigations and bring sanity to the area to ensure that the people benefit from their natural resources.
Mr. KABUSWE said gone are the days when investors benefit from the county’s natural resources while the people remain poor with minimum benefits.
