In Kapiri Mposhi District, Zambia, a growing illegal mining crisis is endangering vulnerable youth while enriching powerful individuals, including some traditional leaders. In 2023, District Council Chairperson Brilliant Munyeke reported a rise in unauthorised mining of gold, manganese, and copper, with young people increasingly drawn into dangerous, unregulated labour. These operations lack safety oversight, exposing youth to hazardous conditions. The situation is exacerbated by the involvement of influential figures – most notably, a traditional leader from neighbouring Mkushi District who is allegedly directing illegal gold mining in the Ilungu area of Chief Mukonchi’s jurisdiction. District Commissioner Francis Hasalama condemned the chief’s involvement, stating, “All these mining activities going on here are orchestrated by this chief,” and emphasised that traditional leaders should not be “at the center of committing illegalities.” Another source stated that the chief “claimed it was his land and [said] he can do anything with it”.