By ROGERS KALEROGOVERNMENT should dismantle cartels in the emerald industry and also stop the illegal mining and trading in the restricted mining area of Lufwanyama, small-sale miners have said.Emerald and Semi-Precious Stones Association of Zambia (ESMAZ) General Secretary, Shadreck Mwape said Government should also tackle the lack of security in the restricted areas and the illegal cutting of trees which create an environmental imbalance.Mr Mwape was speaking when the ESMAZ executive paid a courtesy call on Copperbelt Minister Elisha Matambo in Ndola.The executive officials discussed various challenges the sector was facing and how best the “New Dawn” government could develop the emerald sub-sector.“As we congratulate President Hakainde Hichilema and you, our Copperbelt Minister on your appointment, we would like your office to tackle some issues in the emerald mining industry. Some of the issues include dismantling cartels that have been operating in the emerald industry.“Lack of security in the restricted areas, illegal cutting of trees […]
BREAK CARTELS IN EMERALD SECTOR, GOVT TOLD
