MUFUMBWE, NORTH-WESTERN PROVINCE – National Reconciliation Party for Unity and Prosperity (NRPUP) President Brian Mundubile has called on Government to immediately release the full findings of the nationwide mineral mapping survey, saying the taxpayer-funded report belongs to the Zambian people.
Speaking during a campaign rally in Mufumbwe on Saturday, Mundubile said the survey, which reportedly identified deposits of gold, manganese, cobalt, copper and other minerals, should be made publicly available to promote transparency and informed decision-making.
He said Parliament, traditional leaders, the Ministry of Mines and citizens should have full access to the survey results because the information concerns the country's natural resources.
Mundubile also pledged that an NRPUP government would conduct an independent audit of mining licence allocations made over the past five years to ensure accountability and transparency.
He said licences found to have been acquired irregularly or hoarded would be cancelled and reallocated through a transparent process that prioritises Zambian citizens, youth and cooperatives.
The opposition leader further proposed giving local communities and traditional leaders a greater role in decisions affecting mineral resources in their areas, particularly in mineral-rich provinces such as North-Western, Southern, Central, Muchinga and Eastern.
Mundubile also vowed to strengthen measures against illegal mining, mineral smuggling and the illicit export of agricultural commodities, saying his administration would enforce stricter border controls to safeguard Zambia's resources.
He said the proposed reforms are intended to ensure that the country's mineral wealth benefits Zambians and contributes to sustainable national development.
Source:
NRPUP Media & Communications Centre