JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA (ADV) – The Zambian government has revoked the mining license for Zambia Algamented Mineral group, which owns a manganese mine, following the death of three boys.
Mines Minister Richard Musukwa told ZNBC News that a team of investigators that inspected the accident scene disclosed that the three juveniles were mining manganese for big players including Algamented minerals.
The Minister further disclosed that the owners of the mine who are South African and Zambian will be prosecuted over the death of the three boys.
Three boys were buried alive at the mine in the Fipe area at Shinkole village in Senior Chief Mwewa’s area last week.
The three juveniles are Felix Kalembe (11) from Shinkole village Chief Mwewa, Stanslous Kope (15) from Chamalawa village and Kelvin Kope (13). They were all pupils at Chamalawa primary school.
The United Nations in Zambia has expressed its deep sorrow following the tragedy. United Nations Resident Coordinator in the country, Janet Rogan, said no child should be forced to work. She said child labour is preventable, not inevitable.
“Every child should be free to enjoy their rights to education, protection and recreation. Every child has the right to a childhood, and to receive protection from unsafe environment.
“Children need to be removed immediately from the worst forms of child labour and provided with care and education,” said Rogan.
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