By KENNEDY MUPESENI –
MINES and Minerals Development Minister Christopher Yaluma has directed the security wings to secure Kitwe’s controversial  copper slug dumping site known as the “Black Mountain” while  modalities are being worked out.
Mr Yaluma who visited the dump site in the company of Copperbelt Commissioner of Police Charity Katanga was disappointed that mining activities had continued despite directives not to do so until the interests of Wusakile youths are secured.
“As far as I am concerned, no one has the right to do mining here, what are these equipment doing here, no one is supposed to step a foot here until all modalities are worked out, safety issues and the 10 per cent that belongs to the youths are secured,”Mr Yaluma said.
He said President Edgar Lungu and the Patriotic Front Government have promised to create more job opportunities for the youths hence the need to secure the copper slug.
Mr Yaluma was incensed further when Ms Katanga chipped in and said the owner Nkana Alloy had written to her office and that of a provincial minister to resume after the court order.
“It is only the Minister of Mines who have power to issue the licenses,Nkana Alloy sued me for suspended the license,the owners  did not sue any other,just carry my instructions to remove all the equipment lingering here by tomorrow (Sunday).
“If the owners of the equipment fail to remove them, I will use the equipment from the mines to remove and they will pay to have them back,” the Minister said.
Mr Yaluma said the court ruled  and identified the owners of the black mountain and that the Ministry was in the process of reinstating the license adding  that consultations with the owners would be concluded soon.
“What is happening here is total looting,this is not what I found the last time I came here, it is depleting,officers you have been procrastinating in securing the national asset,” he said.
Ms Katanga promised to carry out the instructions and ensure that the dump site was secured.
“We will ensure that the owners of the equipment come and remove them by tomorrow (Sunday),” she said.