President Hakainde Hichilema has declared that no foreigner will be allowed to operate the Kikonge Gold Mine in Mufumbwe District, saying the mine is intended to benefit the local people. Addressing residents during a community engagement, President Hichilema said Government will ensure that local people are empowered through the allocation of mining licences, provision of equipment and access to a ready market for their gold. “I will personally supervise the issuance of mining licences to local people and not foreigners because I want mining to be legal, safe and formal,” President Hichilema said. President Hichilema further assured the people of Mufumbwe that employment opportunities at Kalengwa Mine will primarily benefit local residents. “I will engage the management at Kalengwa Mine to ensure they employ more people from Mufumbwe.