Mr Mateyo noted that the province is endowed with abundant mineral resources ranging from copper, gold, and uranium deposits hence the need to amass the wealth and development.

Speaking in Solwezi yesterday during the official opening of a three-day provincial alternative mining “indaba” organised by a consortium of civil society organisations, Mr Mateyo said currently, there were limited platforms and opportunities for local communities in mining areas to engage and dialogue at a provincial level with government, local authorities and mining companies.

He observed that traditional leaders especially have not generally been availed the opportunity to dialogue on issues that impact them regarding mining activities.

“Therefore, engagement platforms are of importance to providing space for government to hear from its citizens and get prioritization of social economic justice,” Mr Mateyo said.

He called for strengthening of the participation of the general populace, particularly communities affected by mining in mineral resources governance.

“Additionally, the mining sector is faced with a number of problems that may be stifling sustainable socio-economic growth and invariably affecting the living standards of near-mine communities, “he said.”

Earlier, organising committee chairperson, Charles Banda implored communities living within mining activities to always engage government to address the challenges they are faced with.

Source: Daily Nation