By OLIVER SAMBOKO
PRESIDENT Hakainde Hichilema says his administration is targeting to increase copper production to three Million tons in the next 10 years.
He said this yesterday at the Kenneth Kaunda International Airport shortly before his departure to Cape Town South Africa, where he is attending a Mining Indaba.
The indaba, which will officially open today and run until May 12, 2022, is being held under the theme, ‘Evolution of African Mining: Investing in the Energy Transition, ESG, and the Economies’.
Mr Hichilema said his government will continue engaging both domestic and foreign investors because it recognizes that they are key for the country to meet its target.
“The 2022 national budget has outlined the target to produce 3 million tonnes of copper and other metals hence undertaking the trip to Cape Town, South Africa, which is armed at unlocking opportunities in the mining sector,” he said.
Mr Hichilema said during the Indaba, he will engage current and potential investors to discuss ways and means both parties can enhance the mining sector as a resilient and sustainable industry that will improve the economy, and create decent employment opportunities for the people.
Meanwhile, President Hakainde Hichilema arrived in Cape Town, South Africa last evening ahead of the 2022 investing in African Mining Indaba.
President Hichilema is one of the three Presidents that will be at the indaba which has attracted investors and captains of the mining industry across the world.
Mr Hichilema will join South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa, Botswana’s Mokgweetsi Masisi and Democratic Republic of Congo’s Prime Minister, Jean Michel Sama Lukonde and many other high profile global leaders.
