By ROGERS KALERO
THE Copperbelt Civil Society Mining Consultative (CCSMC) has expressed its displeasure at the failure by the Minister of Mines and Minerals Development Paul Kabuswe to engage the forum over the Konkola Copper Mines (KCM) assets despite several official requests made to him to participate in consultations.
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CCSMC chairperson Gerald Mutelo said his organization was aware of the terms under the renewed partnership between the people of Zambia and Vendetta Resources Plc but was however displeased with the failure by Mr Kabusweto engage the forum despite several official requests.
Mr Mutelo said Mr Kabuswe should be more inclusive and ensure transparency in the negotiation processes when making similar decisions that affect citizens in future.
“CCSMC wishes to commend the government for decision on Konkola Copper Mines (KCM) Assets which has been long overdue. The Forum is cognizant of the many challenges and legal implications that characterized the running of the mine. And also aware of the terms under the renewed partnership between the people of Zambia and Vendetta.”
“However, we wish to express our displeasure with the failure by the Minister of Mines and Minerals Development to engage the forum despite several official requests made to participate in consultations. We wish to remind the minister of mines to be more inclusive and ensure transparency in the negotiation processes when making similar decisions that affect citizens in future,’’ Mr Mutelo said
Mr Mutelo said Mr Kabuswe should endeavor to be accountable and transparent to the people especially those domiciled in areas of concern.
“Further, we wish to request the government to make all relevant partnership agreements public in the interest of transparency and accountability; these documents include the Implementation agreement, shareholders agreement and scheme of creditors.”
“Our hope is that the negotiations, the issue of investment into the Konkola Deep Project (KDMP) is placed at the forefront of deliberations and as such we are interested in knowing the government’s position on the Vedanta outsourcing policy,’’ Mr Mutelo said
He has urged Vedanta Resources Plc to be inclusive and transparent when establishing its Corporate Social investment (CSR) vehicle called the Community Trust
He said his organization had demanded that Vendata Resources CSR should have a people’s mandate through which it intended to channel its corporate social Responsibility programs.
“Going forward the Government must expedite enhanced Mining policy and laws and develop a tax reform bill that includes new mining royalties that guarantee citizen benefits and protection of their God-given natural resources from exploitation,” Mr Mutelo said.
The Copperbelt Civil Society Mining Consultative Forum comprises the Democratic Governance & Human Rights Advocates (DEGHA), Southern Africa Resource Watch (SARW), and Catholic Commission for Justice and Peace -Catholic Diocese of Ndola, Emerald and Semi-Precious Minerals Association of Zambia (ESMAZ)
Other mebers are Citizens for Transportation Network, Sustainable Natural Resource Initiative (SUNREI) Kirila Natural Association, Development Education Project (DECOP), Future-Preneur Zambia (FPZ), Activists for Justice and Development (AJUDE), Action for Sustainable development, Mineworkers Union of Zambia (MUZ)and Others
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