BY GIDEON NYENDWA
THE Emerald and Semi Precious Stones Mining Association of Zambia (ESMAZ) is ready to work with Grizzly Mining Limited to develop the emerald sector so that it can contribute effectively to the national treasury.
ESMAZ president Victor Kalesha said his association had been in talks with the mining giant who were willing to procure mining equipment to the tune of $10 million as a loan to small scale emerald miners.
Mr. Kalesha said talks with Grizzly limited had reached an advanced stage to seal the deal for cooperatives.
He said Zambia had only two emerald mining giants Grizzly Mining Limited and Kagem Mining Limited contributing to the national treasury in terms of taxes. Mr. Kalesha said the two mining giants were instrumental in providing corporate social responsibilities though Grizzly takes an upper hand.
He also said that it was important to note that emerald mining is capital intensive and sometimes with a lot of uncertainties if certain modalities were not put in place.
Mr. Kalesha said that was why they were confident that dealing with Grizzly mining would yield positive results because they have gained a lot of experience in emerald mining as well as having trained and experienced expertise.
He said ESMAZ would demonstrate resilience, patience, discipline and acquire proper management and technical skills as they engage in talks with Grizzly mining and the government.
Mr. Kalesha said the government through Ministry of Mines have expressed ultimate support to small-scale mining.
He said soon they were going to have a meeting with Grizzly Mining Chairman Mr Abdoulaye Ndiaye and the Minister of Mines to map out a strategy on how to develop this sector for the benefit of the country.
Mr. Kalesha said he was optimistic that Grizzly mining would revive the dormancy in the emerald sector and a lot of jobs would be created for the youths of Lufwanyama and more revenue going into government coffers.
Grizzly Mining Limited committed to spend $10 million to procure mining equipment for small-scale emerald miners.
The giant mining firm was ready to procure the equipment on condition that the small-scale miners in Lufwanyama, numbering 600, form cooperatives and acquire a single mining licence.
