18/09/2025
Over 500 Foreigners Arrested for Illegal Gold Mining
By Rosemary Kamanga
The Department of Immigration has apprehended over 500 foreign nationals involved in illegal gold mining February this year to date.
The arrests follow intensified law enforcement and strengthened surveillance measures by the Ministry of Home Affairs and Internal Security to curb the involvement of non-Zambians in illegal mining activities.
Ministry Principal Public Relations Officer MWALA KALALUKA says Out of the 500 apprehended foreign nationals, 368 were caught in Mufumbwe District of North-Western Province between June 4 and August 1, 2025.
He says the individuals were arrested for breaching immigration conditions, as none were licensed to conduct mining activities in Zambia.
Mr. KALALUKA told ZNBC that other nationals arrested included Tanzanians, Congolese, Mozambicans, Zimbabweans, Burundians, Chinese, Indians, Somalis, Malawians, Nigerians, Senegalese, and Angolans.
He disclosed that out of the 366 were detained, 35 were prosecuted with 30 convictions secured.
In addition, 159 were issued with temporary permits, generating over 3 million , 816 thousand kwacha in revenue.
Mr. KALALUKA further disclosed that 126 individuals were deported, 15 refugees were relocated to settlements, and 68 remain in detention.
He said the Department also confiscated 25 gold detectors during the Mufumbwe operations.
Mr. KALALUKA noted that surveillance has been intensified along commonly used routes to intercept foreigners with suspicious travel intentions.
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