Ministry of Commerce Permanent Secretary Kayula Siame says the formalization of illegal gold mining in Rufunsa will bring about economic development and job creation amongst youths in the country.

Ms. Siame says Zambians have been left out in the mining of various minerals in the country and that time has come for the locals to benefit from their God given natural resources.

She was speaking when she presented cooperative certificates to three newly formed mining cooperatives in Rufunsa.

Ms. Siame said illegal mining has also robbed the country a lot of money in taxes.

She said government wants Zambians to benefit from their resources unlike the current situation where foreigners are getting everything.

And ministry of mines permanent secretary Paul Chanda said Zambians should take advantage of government’s new mining policies to register their firms for them to participate in the mining industry.

Mr. Chanda said government will empower the newly formed cooperatives with equipment and capital for them to be producing reflectively.

He said government though the ZCCM-IH will also provide market for the minerals so that miners would not labour to look for market.

And earlier registrar of cooperatives Justin Mwansa said the formation of cooperatives by small mining entities will improve capacity building and enhance productivity.

Mr. Mwansa called for more miners to come up with cooperatives so that dividends can remain in the country.

Source: ZNBC