President Hakainde Hichilema has directed the Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development to ensure that the 14 local youths of Chibwika chiefdom in Mwinilunga District of Northwestern Province who discovered Kasenseli gold mine in 2019 be fully compensated.

President Hichilema said he was aware the young people have not been compensated and since emphasized that they be issued with a new mining licence.

The Head of State said this during the official opening of Kasenseli gold mine in Chibwika’s area of Mwinilunga District today.

Mr Hichilema said the Ministry of Mines and Mineral development should also ensure that the youths are assisted to mine and sell the material to the Kasenseli Gold Mine.

The President stressed that he wants to see young people trained and empowered with skills so that they can benefit from the Kasenseli gold mine investment.

And Zambia Gold Company Board Chairperson Guy Phiri said the mining company recognizes the success of the mining sector and that more can be achieved through partnerships with the local communities.

“We will fully exploit the full potential of this mine,” Mr Phiri said.

Mr Phiri said Zambia Gold Company understands that sustainable development means ensuring that the benefits of mining are shared and that the prosperity it generates extends beyond the company and reaches the hearts of the people in communities where they operate. 

ZANIS reports that ZCCM-IH Holds 51 percent of the shares in the Kasenseli Gold Mine while the government through the Ministry of Finance holds 49 percent shares.