Zambia Seeks Army Intervention to Tackle Illegal Mining in Mpika

Zambia’s Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development is seeking stronger cooperation with the Zambia Army to address illegal mining activities in Mpika District, Muchinga Province, amid growing concerns over miners becoming trapped underground and damage to property.

Permanent Secretary Hapenga Kabeta said the government needed to take urgent action as illegal mining continued to threaten lives, public safety and community stability.

Speaking during a meeting with Zambia Army officers in Lusaka, Kabeta said the consequences of delaying intervention were becoming increasingly serious.

“The consequences of continuously postponing action are now becoming evident, particularly as the situation is turning into a matter of life and death. We must act before it gets out of control,” he said.

Government seeks coordinated response

The meeting was convened to strengthen cooperation between the Ministry of Mines and the military and agree on practical measures to address illegal mining in Mpika.

Kabeta said the ministry valued its longstanding relationship with the Zambia Army, which has previously supported government efforts to restore order in areas affected by unauthorised mining.

He pointed to an intervention in Mufumbwe District in December 2025, when the ministry requested military support to deal with illegal mining activities.

According to Kabeta, the programme in Mufumbwe remains ongoing, with the area still under Army surveillance.

The experience, he said, provided a basis for further cooperation as authorities consider measures to address the situation in Mpika.

Safety and compliance concerns

The ministry’s concerns extend beyond unauthorised mineral extraction to the risks posed to miners and surrounding communities. Reports of people becoming trapped in mining operations and damage to property have heightened calls for intervention.

Kabeta stressed that all mining activities must comply with Zambia’s laws and regulations, adding that illegal operations require action to protect human life and maintain public safety.

The proposed collaboration with the Zambia Army forms part of the government’s response to the challenges in Mpika. However, the specific operational measures and timeline for intervention were not detailed in the announcement.