President Hakainde Hichilema has warned that Zambia’s mineral wealth must not become a source of insecurity, violence, or social instability, as the country intensifies efforts to reposition its mining sector as a driver of inclusive growth and national development.

Speaking at the African Mining Indaba in Cape Town, the President told investors that while Zambia remains open to investment, mineral exploitation must be conducted in a manner that strengthens social cohesion, protects communities, and upholds national security. He stressed that mining activity should generate broad-based benefits rather than deepen inequality or expose the country to environmental harm, organised crime, or economic sabotage.

The President’s remarks come at a time when Zambia’s mining sector is experiencing renewed attention following improving macroeconomic indicators, rising global copper prices, and government efforts to restore investor confidence after years of uncertainty. Copper remains Zambia’s economic backbone, and authorities have repeatedly stated that the sector’s revival is central to revenue generation, employment creation, and foreign exchange stability.

Hichilema’s emphasis on security reflects a growing recognition across mineral-rich countries that weak governance of extractive industries can fuel unrest, corruption, and conflict. He cautioned that mineral resources, if poorly managed, can become a liability rather than an asset, undermining peace and long-term development.

Alongside the President’s warning, questions over transparency in Zambia’s mining agreements have resurfaced in the public arena. Musenge, in remarks reported in the Daily Nation, raised concerns about what he described as secrecy surrounding mining deals, questioning how agreements are negotiated and the extent to which their terms are disclosed to the public.

Musenge argued that limited public access to information on mining contracts makes it difficult for citizens to assess whether Zambia is securing fair value from its mineral resources. He suggested that the lack of transparency weakens accountability and fuels suspicion, particularly at a time when mining is once again being presented as the cornerstone of economic recovery.

The concerns echo long-standing calls from various stakeholders for clearer disclosure of mining agreements, stronger oversight mechanisms, and greater parliamentary involvement in the approval of major extractive deals. Transparency advocates argue that open access to contract terms helps build public trust, reduces the risk of corruption, and ensures that resource revenues are managed in the national interest.

Government officials, for their part, have repeatedly defended recent policy measures aimed at strengthening governance in the mining sector. Mines Minister Paul Kabuswe has underscored the importance of value addition, stating that Zambia must move beyond exporting raw minerals if it is to maximise the benefits of its natural resources.

Kabuswe has argued that local processing and manufacturing can create jobs, stimulate industrial growth, and reduce Zambia’s vulnerability to commodity price shocks. The push for value addition aligns with broader regional and continental efforts to retain more value from Africa’s mineral wealth, particularly in critical minerals linked to the global energy transition.

Recent developments in the private sector suggest that confidence in Zambia’s mining industry is gradually returning. Zambia Metal Fabricators (ZAMACO) has secured financing amounting to $247 million to support its operations in the mining supply chain, a move seen as a sign of renewed optimism in the sector’s prospects.

However, analysts note that sustained recovery will depend not only on capital inflows but also on governance credibility. Investors are increasingly sensitive to issues of contract stability, regulatory clarity, community relations, and environmental standards. At the same time, citizens are demanding greater accountability to ensure that mineral wealth translates into improved living standards.

Hichilema’s message at the Indaba sought to balance these interests by assuring investors of Zambia’s openness while setting clear expectations around responsible conduct. By linking mining activity to security outcomes, the President signalled that economic growth cannot be pursued at the expense of social stability or national cohesion.

Zambia positions itself in a competitive global mining landscape, the convergence of security concerns, transparency demands, and value-addition ambitions highlights the complexity of managing mineral wealth in a way that delivers sustainable and inclusive development.

I agree. What we saw last year in Chingola of the commander in chief being chased with stones was bad. We need peace and stability in the country

Here in South Africa, HH featured in news items for quite a number of radio stations about his speech in Cape Town yesterday.

tax them fairly and appropriately

It is your tribal party fueling division and instability. This man is useless

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