Zambia’s Former Minister Dismissed for Unauthorized Sugilite Mining

President Hakainde Hichilema took decisive action on Wednesday, July 5th, by dismissing Derrick Chilundika, the former minister of Luapula Province, for engaging in unauthorized mining activities involving sugilite, a valuable newly discovered mineral in the country.

State House in Lusaka, issued a statement announcing Chilundika’s dismissal. Although the statement did not specify the reason for his removal, the police quickly followed up with a statement revealing that Chilundika had been conducting mining operations without a valid license.

In a statement, Deputy Police Spokesman Danny Mwale said, “Police in Lusaka have apprehended Derricky Chilundika, former Luapula Province Minister, for conducting mining activities without a license, as stipulated in Section 12(1)(3) of the Mines and Minerals Act Number 11 of 2015. The suspect, in collaboration with others, is alleged to have extracted 23 tons of sugilite mineral ore without proper authorization.”

Mwale confirmed that the suspect was currently in police custody and awaiting formal charges.

Zambia, known primarily for its copper production, has recently discovered significant deposits of other minerals, including manganese, gold, and sugilite.

However, these resources have become targets for illegal mining, with Luapula Province, Eastern Province, Muchinga Province, Central Province, and North-Western Province being particularly susceptible to such activities.

Prior to the dismissal of Chilundika, President Hichilema had already terminated the employment of several subordinate officials from the region who were connected to the illegal sugilite mining incident, which had been brewing since early 2023.

Earlier this year, in March, Hichilema also dismissed Mooya Lumamba, the permanent secretary at the Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development.

In a subsequent statement, Mwale revealed that the police had arrested and charged Muhammed Ashim and Muhammed Munsul, both Afghan nationals and directors of Katros Mining Limited, for engaging in mining activities without a proper license. The investigation uncovered that the suspects were mining manganese at the site using an expired artisanal mining license that did not permit the extraction of manganese.

Ashim and Munsul have been released on police bond pending their court appearance.