Minister of Mines and Mineral Development Paul Kabuswe says the newly commissioned Nickel Plant at FQM Trident mine in Kalumbila District of North-western province will position Zambia as the largest producer of Nickel in Africa.
[ihc-hide-content ihc_mb_type=”show” ihc_mb_who=”4,5,6″ ihc_mb_template=”2″ ]
Mr Kabuswe said as a strategic supplier of clean energy solutions, Zambia will be positioned as a major player in the global transition to a clean energy economy.
“This project is expected to position Zambia as Africa’s largest producer of Nickel, making it the country to be a strategic supplier of an essential material for batteries and other clean energy solutions. This will position Zambia as a major player in the global transition to a clean energy economy,” said Mr Kabuswe.
ZANIS reports that Mr Kabuswe was speaking in Kalumbila at FQM Trident mine when he commissioned the Enterprise Nickel Concentrator and Plant.
The minister said government appreciates the move by FQM to fire up the concentrator as it demonstrates the mining firm’s commitment to work with government in advancing the mining sector in Zambia.
“The commissioning of production of Nickel metal in concentrates has been achieved on schedule and indications are that this Plant will achieve its name plate production,” he said.
Mr Kabuswe pointed out that Zambia’s economy has for decades heavily relied on copper exports which have made the country vulnerable to fluctuations in the global copper markets adding that this has also had a significant impact on the country’s economic growth.
“The new dawn government is aware that the sustainability of the mining sector is crucial than ever, as the world shifts from traditional minerals such as Copper and Gold, to Nickel and other metals,” he added.
He explained that the collaboration between government and the private sector can help to ensure that Zambia’s mining sector remains buoyant as a major driver of economic growth in Zambia.
“This project is critical to realising socioeconomic benefits of the people of Zambia, we note with gratitude that the team at FQM is equal to the task,” said Mr Kabuswe.
He also appealed to FQM to ensure gender balance, fairness and respect for all as well as equal opportunities to local contractors, which remains a hallmark of FQM operations.
And speaking at the same event, Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry Chipoka Mulenga, encouraged FQM to consider contracting local entrepreneurs and businesses.
Meanwhile, FQM Country Representative Dr Godwin Beene said the Nickel project is on track and has been commissioned within schedule, boasting of having the largest Nickel Concentrator in the country.
[/ihc-hide-content]
