Cheating gemstones firms exposed

Sat, 10 Feb 2018 13:26:31 +0000

By ROGERS KALERO

SOME gemstone mining companies in Lufwanyama are not declaring profits because they do not want to engage in any corporate social responsibility (CSR) programmes.

Emerald and Semi-Precious Minerals Association of Zambia (ESMAZ) president Victor Kalesha said it was sad that, out of the more than 400 gemstone mines in the area, only five were active.

Mr Kalesha singled out Gemcanton Investments as the only mining firm significantly involved in CSR programmes in Lufwanyama.

In an interview in Kitwe yesterday, Mr Kalesha said that government should ensure that there was transparent in the CSR and that the local people got what was due to them from those mining companies.

“We want gemstone mining companies to develop Lufwanyama. The development of Lufwanyama should not be left to Gemcanton Investment alone, but other gemstone mines in the area should also contribute to the development of the area,

“Some gemstone mining companies area cheating that they are not making profits because they do not want to engage in any corporate social responsibility programmes. We have more than 400 gemstone mines in Lufwanyama, but only Gemcanton Investment is significantly involved in CSR,” said Mr Kalesha

And Lufwanyama District Commissioner Miniver Mutesa said government had demonstrated its readiness to work with the private sector because it was a partner in development through job creation and other CSR programmes which supplemented government’s efforts.

Ms Mutesa said government appreciated the contribution of some sections of the private sector like Gemcanton Investments in health and education with the construction of Lumpuma Secondary School which was scheduled for completion soon.

“However, we are dismayed that some gemstone mining companies have not been doing much in terms of CSR, leaving it to other companies like Gemcanton to do everything. We believe if all gemstone mines could work together, the CSR would be more significant in the area,” she said.