…Promises mining reforms, jobs and better wages

SOLWEZI, July 21, 2026 – National Reconciliation Party for Unity and Prosperity (NRP-UP) presidential candidate Brian Mundubile has unveiled an ambitious mining reform agenda for North-Western Province, promising to empower local youths, improve miners’ welfare and ensure communities benefit more from the region’s vast mineral wealth if elected President.

Addressing thousands of supporters at a campaign rally in Solwezi on Tuesday, Mundubile said his government would reopen opportunities for local people to participate in gold mining at Mufumbwe Gold Mine and Kasenseli Gold Mine in Mwinilunga District under a regulated and safer system.

Speaking directly to young people, Mundubile said his administration would support artisanal miners with equipment and financing instead of using force to remove them from mining areas.

“You will go back to Mufumbwe and Kasenseli, but you will not go empty-handed,” Mundubile said. “Government will support you with equipment and loans so that you can mine safely and productively.”

He criticised the government’s handling of illegal mining operations, saying it was wrong for security officers to use live ammunition against citizens during operations to remove illegal miners.

“There will be no more guns used against citizens. Guns should be used to protect citizens, not to shoot them,” he said.

Minimum wages for mine workers

Mundubile also pledged to improve conditions of service in Zambia’s mining sector, expressing concern over what he described as low wages earned by many mine workers.

He said an NRP-UP government would introduce minimum wage standards specifically for the mining industry to ensure workers received fair compensation.

“I am concerned about the low salaries in the mines. We shall introduce minimum wages so that mine workers are paid fairly,” he told the rally.

“Investors must create shared value”

While emphasising that his government would continue welcoming investment into the mining sector, Mundubile said foreign and local investors should ensure that mining benefits surrounding communities as well as shareholders.

“We are not against investors, but there must be shared value. The people who live where these resources are found must also benefit,” he said.

He described North-Western Province as a region blessed with enormous mineral wealth but argued that many local communities continued to face inadequate infrastructure and basic services.

“It is unfortunate that a province with such vast natural resources still has communities struggling to access clean water,” he said.

More responsibility for mining companies

Mundubile said his government would strengthen agreements with mining companies to ensure they contribute more towards community development through corporate social responsibility programmes.

Among the measures he proposed were the construction of housing for mine workers, expansion of water supply systems, building of hospitals and improvement of road infrastructure.

He said the model would be similar to what was practised during the Zambia Consolidated Copper Mines (ZCCM) era, when mining companies played a significant role in developing surrounding communities.

“We want mining companies to build decent houses for workers, provide clean water, construct hospitals and help improve roads. Government and investors must both benefit, but so must the people,” he said.

Infrastructure promises

Beyond mining reforms, Mundubile pledged to improve road infrastructure throughout North-Western Province, saying better roads would support economic growth, agriculture and trade.

He also promised to construct a hospital in Solwezi to improve access to healthcare services for residents of the rapidly growing mining town.

Mining has become one of the central themes of the NRP-UP campaign, with Mundubile repeatedly arguing that Zambia’s mineral wealth should generate greater employment opportunities, better public services and improved living standards for communities living in mining areas. The Tonse Pamodzi Alliance leader is expected to continue his campaign tour of North-Western Province over the coming days ahead of the August 13 General Election.