Diamonds have not been discovered in Zambia, Kabuswe tells Mundubile

LUSAKA – Former Mines and Minerals Development Minister, Paul Kabuswe, has firmly refuted recent assertions by opposition leader Brian Mundubile concerning the purported discovery of diamonds within Zambia's borders. In a direct challenge, Mr. Kabuswe urged the Patriotic Front (PF) presidential hopeful to desist from disseminating unverified information that he believes could mislead the public and potentially deter crucial investment in the nation's vital mining industry. The exchange underscores a growing tension between the ruling United Party for National Development (UPND) and the opposition, particularly on matters pertaining to national resources and economic development. Mr. Mundubile, a prominent figure in the opposition, had reportedly made statements suggesting significant diamond finds, leading to speculation and public discourse. However, Mr. Kabuswe, who recently served in a pivotal ministerial role overseeing the very sector in question, stated unequivocally that no such discoveries have been officially confirmed or registered by the government or relevant geological surveys. “It is imperative that leaders, especially those aspiring for high office, exercise responsibility and verify facts before making pronouncements that have the potential to destabilise public perception and economic projections,” Mr. Kabuswe stated, emphasizing the need for evidence-based communication. He further elaborated that Zambia's geological landscape is well-studied, and while various minerals are present, any major discovery of a high-value commodity like diamonds would undergo rigorous verification processes before public announcement, a process that has not occurred in this instance. Zambia, a nation heavily reliant on its copper mining industry, has long been a focal point for mineral exploration. The government, under President Hakainde Hichilema, has consistently expressed its commitment to attracting foreign direct investment into the mining sector, aiming to di