By GIDEON NYENDWA CITIZENS’ First president Harry Kalaba has raised concerns about the lack of transparency and accountability in the country’s emerald mining sector. And the Emerald Production Watch of Zambia (EPWZ) has encouraged small and medium artisanal miners to continue investing in the emerald sector despite the challenges encountered in 2024. Mr. Kalaba is wondering why the country focuses heavily on copper and manganese while ignoring emeralds, which have been globally ranked as the best in the gemstone industry. He said the wealth generated from emerald mining on the Copperbelt Province was only benefitting a select few individuals instead of the government and Zambian citizens. “I don’t understand why no one talks about the emeralds being mined on the Copperbelt. Why is the money going into individual pockets and not the national treasury?” Mr. Kalaba questioned. He emphasised that with Zambia’s vast mineral wealth, including emeralds, gold, and other precious minerals, the country would […]
Kalaba bemoans Zambia’s mineral wealth management
