MINES Minister Paul Kabuswe has urged Chambishi Non-Ferrous Africa Mining (NFCA) to consider expanding its capacity to three million tons of copper production per annum.
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Mr. Kabuswe said instead of exporting copper cathodes, consideration should be given to setting up a refinery in Chambishi to produce copper.
He said this during the commemoration of NFCA Africa mining twenty fifth anniversary in Kalulushi on the Copperbelt.
NFCA Chief Executive Officer and Chairperson Zhamyan Li said the company had so far cumulated an investment total in Zambia amounting to more than US$1.5 billion which had seen 5,600 local jobs created.
Mr. Li said the mining firm had also contributed a total of US$350 million in taxes as of 2022.
He further said NFCA plans to invest another US$400 million which will create 2,400 local job opportunities and increase its annual copper output to 110 ,000 tons upon reaching full capacity and that by then the company would become the most advanced and efficient underground mine in Zambia and Africa.
He said for 25 years in existence, the company had adhered to the concept of Zambia -China cooperation and common development and practiced the value of loyalty and responsibility.
“For the 25 years we have also always adhered to the principle of taking the lead with innovation and technology and sat development goal of building a safe ,green , intelligent and efficient mine ,we have implemented the world -class mining and mineral processing technology and applied the most advanced automation and mechanization equipment,” he said.
Mr. Li added that the company remains committed to help Zambia build an ecological friendly economy and that it will actively respond to the goal of annual production of 3 billion tons of Copper.
Meanwhile, Chairperson of the China -Non -Ferrous Metal Mining Group Zhengping Zi said the recent visit by President Hakainde Hichilema to China would help inject new impetus into Zambia’s economic and social development agenda.
Mr. Zi said NFCA had managed to achieve business success against all odds.
He said with the China -Zambia relationship being elevated to that of a comprehensive strategic partnership and standing at a new starting point, NFCA should launch a second start up initiative to nurture new opportunities for the new growth.
“NFCA will actively respond to President Hichilema’s grand goal of achieving 3 million tons of Copper production by 2030 so the mine needs to continue to increase its investment in Zambia starting from the South East Ore body expansion project as this will support the upgrading of Zambia’s mining industry and extension of the industrial chain,” he said.
ZCCM-IH Board Chairperson Kakenenwa Muyangwa said the institution appreciates the level of commitment from NFCA as it managed to pay US$10.1 million in dividends to ZCCM-IH for the financial years in 2007, 2008, 2011 and 2022.
Mr. Muyangwa said the board appreciates the level of commitment by NFCA in expanding the mine and creating jobs for local people. – ZANIS.
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