Illegal miners have invaded the Luanxia copper mine in Zambia
According to local media reports, on August 29, local police spokesperson Esther Katongo confirmed that police in Luanxia engaged in a fierce battle with illegal miners who invaded the Luanxia copper mine and arrested five riot leaders.
Katongo said, "Following the intrusion of 15 MCC Pit 6 at the Luanxia Copper Mine in China, the Copperbelt police began an operation at around 1:00 midnight on August 29, 2021, clearing out nearly 1,000 illegal miners. The illegal miners initially followed police arrangements to leave the mine peacefully. "" However, they mobilized outside the mine and began blocking access, burning tyres and throwing stones, posing a threat to the public. Police used tear gas to disperse the mob and detained five ringleaders in the process."
Katongo said rioters went on a rampage in nearby Mpatamatu market, looting three old axe machines. Police have brought the situation under control and have stepped up vigilance in the affected areas.
Luanxia public relations manager Sydney Chileya confirmed the development. "As a company, we sought police intervention when the illegal activity began in 2018, but received no positive response," he said. In the weeks leading up to the election, the situation was made worse by the influx of illegal miners from other towns into the Luanxia copper mine to engage in illegal activities. The affected mines reported the incident several times to local police and provincial chiefs, but received no positive response.
"Illegal practices not only affect our operations, but they are also unsafe," Chileya said. Unfortunately, within two months of the escalation of illegal activities, seven lives have been claimed." Despite some incidents of violence during the operation, the situation has eased.
Luanxia Mayor Patrick Miapambe applauded the move, adding that illegal mining will not be tolerated. "As a government, we cannot continue to allow illegal practices to flourish. This morning, the police to take action, through contact with illegal miners and let them understand the necessity of to stop illegal mining, will they get rid of, because this was an intrusion on private property ", "I'm glad to have been resolved, everything returned to normal, and action no accident, the miners also understood that the region belongs to the luanshya copper mine."
