Fri, 23 Jun 2017 10:32:12 +0000
By MUKOSELA KASALWE
GOVERNMENT desires the exploration of a variety of mineral resources which will reduce dependency on copper and include the participation of local people in the mineral value chain, says Vice-President Inonge Wina.
Ms. Wina said Government was implementing measures to ensure that the mining industry continued to grow as Zambia was endowed with various minerals such as emeralds which if fully exploited could contribute to the diversification of the economy and reduce dependency on copper.
She said the objective of such a move would bring about diversification within the mining sector and other sectors of the economy in collaboration with the private sector.
Ms. Wina said this in Lusaka yesterday, when she graced the 7th Zambia International Mining and Energy Conference and Exhibition (ZIMEC) whose theme was “Mining and energy development in Zambia increasing economic development”.
She said the theme for the conference was timely as the country was rebounding from the shocks of low commodity prices on the international market that had characterised the mining sector and also negatively impacted by the shortage of power which slowed economic growth.
“As you are aware, Zambia is endowed with a variety of minerals, which if exploited, can reduce dependency on copper and support the growth of other sectors.
‘‘Government is driving this agenda of promoting exploration of other minerals besides copper and ensuring the participation of the locals in the mineral value chain,” she said.
Ms. Wina said the success of the mining industry and any economic activity required infrastructure development and an efficient as well as reliable transport network which would reduce the cost of doing business and propel access to unexplored natural resources.
She said Government was addressing the challenge of inadequate power supply, hence it had embarked on several projects aimed at increasing power generation capacity and had embraced Independent Power Producers by putting an enabling framework for them.
And Minister of Mines and Minerals Development Christopher Yaluma said Zambia’s mining outlook was bright owing to increased expansion of projects at existing mines and greenfield projects with copper production projected to reach 850,000 tonnes by the end of the year.
Mr. Yaluma urged investors to prioritise the safety standards of their workers and enhance skills training by employing as many local people as possible.
And Minister of Energy David Mabumba said a consultant from the United Kingdom was engaged to carry out a cost of service study and that mines were actively involved in the process.
Meanwhile, Zambia Chamber of Mines president Nathan Chishimba said there was need for concerted efforts in collaboration with the Government to increase skills development of the sector in colleges and universities.
