Remote Sensing Technology Key in Combating Illegal Mining – Dr. Sibanda
By NRSC
Lusaka, 23 October 2025
National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC) Director, Dr. Patrick Sibanda, has underscored the critical role of space-based and geospatial technologies in combating illegal mining and promoting sustainable resource management in Zambia.
Speaking when he paid a courtesy call on Zambia Army Commander, Lieutenant General Geoffrey Choongo Zyeele, at Army Headquarters in Lusaka today, Dr. Sibanda emphasized that collaboration between the NRSC and the Zambia Army is essential in addressing the growing threat of illegal mining activities.
Dr. Sibanda noted that illegal mining poses both environmental and national security challenges, adding that the integration of satellite data and geospatial intelligence can greatly enhance national monitoring efforts.
“Remote sensing provides near real-time insights that can pinpoint illegal mining hotspots, monitor land degradation, and support enforcement agencies with timely information,” Dr. Sibanda said.
“We believe that through partnerships such as this one, Zambia can strengthen its surveillance capacity and safeguard its natural resources.”
And Zambia Army Commander, Lt Gen Zyeele, reaffirmed the Army’s commitment to working closely with technical institutions like NRSC in tackling illegal mining. He commended the Centre for leveraging innovation to support national development and pledged to enhance cooperation in data sharing and field operations.
The Commander has since been invited to visit the NRSC facilities to appreciate its operational capabilities and explore further areas of collaboration aimed at promoting national security through geospatial intelligence.
