Chinese rejects report criticizing its mining investors

By BARNABAS ZULU THE Chinese Embassy has expressed grave concern that a Zambian non-governmental organization has recently issued a report downplaying the historic positive role of Chinese mining enterprises in Zambia. THE Chinese Embassy has therefore strongly rejected a report by an unnamed Zambian non-governmental organisation which it accuses of misrepresenting the activities of Chinese mining companies operating in the country. The Embassy says the report downplays the contribution of Chinese enterprises to Zambia’s economy, exaggerates isolated problems and makes what it describes as groundless accusations against investors. In a statement on China-Zambia mining cooperation, the Embassy expressed “strong indignation” over the report and categorically rejected its conclusions as biased and misleading. “The Chinese Embassy notes with grave concern that a Zambian non-governmental organisation has recently issued a report that downplays the positive role of Chinese mining enterprises in Zambia, exaggerates isolated negative issues and makes groundless accusations against Chinese investors,” the statement reads. The Embassy said the economic benefits arising from mining cooperation between Zambia and China were tangible and supported by figures. It disclosed that Chinese mining companies operating in Zambia contributed more than K10 billion in taxes during 2025 and provided 45,417 jobs. According to the Embassy, the companies also purchased local supplies valued at more than K50 billion during the same period, providing business opportunities for Zambian suppliers and contributing to economic activity beyond the mining industry. It said Chinese mining enterprises had also invested significant amounts in environmental protection, employee welfare and community programmes. The Embassy maintained that the companies had supported social and ecological development in their host communities through public donations and other forms of assistance. Chinese investment had also introduced advanced technology, modern equipment and industrial-development experience into Zambia’s mining sector, it said. The Embassy argued that this investment had helped strengthen Zambia’s industrial capacity and would contribute to the Government’s ambition of raising annual copper production to three million tonnes by 2031. “China-Zambia mining cooperation delivers tangible benefits and speaks for itself,” the Embassy said. It called on organisations assessing Chinese investments to base their conclusions on verifiable facts and to avoid what it described as speculative narratives and irresponsible attacks on cooperation between the two countries. “We firmly oppose biased interpretations, speculative narratives and irresponsible smears against China-Zambia cooperation,” the statement reads. “Relevant organisations should respect facts and view Chinese investment in an objective and rational manner.” The Embassy said the Chinese government consistently required companies operating abroad to comply with the laws of host countries, fulfil their social responsibilities and pursue development that benefited both investors and local communities. It also called on stakeholders in Zambia to help create a stable, friendly and favourable environment in which businesses could operate. The Embassy said criticism and scrutiny of foreign investors should be legitimate, factual and intended to improve corporate conduct rather than undermine bilateral relations. Despite its sharp rejection of the NGO report, the Embassy said Chinese enterprises remained open to legitimate supervision by the Government, civil society, communities and other interested stakeholders. It reaffirmed China’s commitment to maintaining practical cooperation with the Zambian Government and other sectors of society for the mutual benefit of the two countries. “We stand ready to continue practical cooperation with all sectors in Zambia for the common good of both countries and welcome legitimate supervision from all stakeholders,” the Embassy said. The Embassy did not identify the NGO responsible for the disputed report or provide details of the specific allegations made against Chinese mining companies.

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