The president of the Emeralds and Semi-Precious Stones Mining Association of Zambia, Victor Kalesha, has refuted claims of sugilite deposits in Luapula Province, stating that no proven geological evidence supports the mineral’s presence in the region.
Speaking in an interview, Kalesha acknowledged attempts to verify the existence of sugilite at the Muombe site in Chembe District but noted that these efforts have not yielded any conclusive results.
This follows a statement last week by the Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development revealing that the site, previously believed to hold significant sugilite deposits, has been depleted. Gerald Mwila, Director of Geological Survey in the Ministry, said investigations conducted in 2021 and subsequent studies concluded there was no evidence of sugilite at the location.
A Controversial History
The subject of sugilite mining in Luapula Province has sparked controversy in recent years. In 2023, then Luapula Province Minister Derrick Chilundika was dismissed by President Hakainde Hichilema over allegations of involvement in illegal mining activities in the region.
The Ministry’s latest findings appear to debunk earlier reports, casting doubt on claims of untapped sugilite wealth in Chembe District.
Industry Response
Kalesha emphasized the importance of accurate geological surveys in guiding Zambia’s mineral exploration and extraction efforts. “There have been efforts to prove the existence of sugilite in the province, but nothing has been substantiated so far,” he said.
He called for transparency and adherence to scientific methods in evaluating the country’s mineral resources to avoid misinformation and speculative activities that could harm Zambia’s mining sector.
Public Sentiment
The revelation has fueled public skepticism about the management of Zambia’s mineral resources. Some citizens have expressed concerns about the alleged exploitation of minerals without transparency, citing the need for stronger governance and accountability.
One commenter, IndigoTyrol, voiced frustration, stating, “If they can convert pure top-grade gold at KKIA into cheap zinc pellets, they can do anything. Next, they will tell us there is no gold, copper, or emeralds in Zambia.”
The sentiment highlights growing calls for more robust oversight of Zambia’s mineral wealth and a push for leadership that ensures national resources benefit the public.
As Zambia continues to explore its natural resources, stakeholders, including the Emeralds and Semi-Precious Stones Mining Association, have reiterated the importance of responsible and evidence-based mining practices. This approach, they argue, will ensure the country maximizes its mineral wealth while safeguarding the environment and promoting equitable economic growth.
For now, the issue of sugilite in Luapula appears to be settled, but questions remain about the future of mineral exploration in Zambia and the policies needed to ensure transparency and sustainability in the sector.