More than 100 people have been arrested following violent protests by illegal gold miners in central Zambia after authorities sealed off a mining site, police confirmed Tuesday.
The unrest occurred on Monday in the Central Province, roughly 470 kilometers (292 miles) from the capital Lusaka, where miners clashed with police forces in protest over the closure of the mine. The confrontation resulted in several injuries and significant property damage.
“Despite efforts by the police to calm the situation, rioters intensified their actions by pelting stones at officers and police vehicles,” said police spokesperson Rae Hamoonga in a statement. He confirmed that several officers were injured and that law enforcement vehicles were damaged during the confrontation.
The rioters reportedly looted a truck transporting cement, vandalized local administrative offices, and stole furniture and other equipment.
Police said 110 suspects had been taken into custody as investigations continued. Reinforcements were deployed to restore order, and the situation was later brought under control.
Local district commissioner Topson Kunda attributed the unrest to the miners’ reaction upon discovering that the site had been cordoned off by security personnel.
“The gold mine site belongs to an investor who is in the process of finalizing the necessary documentation,” Kunda said in a separate statement.
Illegal gold mining has been an ongoing challenge in Zambia, as authorities seek to regulate the sector and attract legitimate investment while managing tensions with artisanal miners who rely on the activity for their livelihoods.
Related topics:
- India Surpasses China in Gold Purchases, Buying 51% More in Three Months
- Qilu Bank Enhances Support for Small Businesses with Innovative Financial Tools
- Bitcoin Poised for a Surge Amid Gold’s Delivery Delays, Expert Claims
