Mines and Minerals Development, Minister Paul Kabuswe says government will continue putting favourable policies to ensure growth of the mining sector.
Mr Kabuswe said the government will also put necessary regulations to ensure that mining activities benefit the local people.
Speaking in a speech read for him by Mines Permanent Secretary Hapenga Kabeta, in Kitwe at the on-going Copperbelt Agriculture and Mining Investment and Networking Exposition (CAMINEX) during a luncheon hosted by Mopani, Mr Kabuswe said government is happy with the way Mopani payed its outstanding bills to Kitwe City Council which manage to carry out a number of activities after the payment
“We want to ensure that mining activities benefit local people through job creation and corporate social responsibility activities”, He said.
And Mopani Copper Mines Chief Executive Officer, Charles Sakanya, said within the two months of the arrival of the equity partner International Resources Holdings, the mining company has unlocked vast opportunities for its critical stakeholders such as employment of 400 youths.
Mr Sakanya added that the mine has also awarded a 13 per cent salary increment to its employees and clearance of all outstanding payments to suppliers and contractors among others.
He further stated that the mining company has commenced the process of completing its underground infrastructure to ensure increased production that will enable the company to contribute towards the national set target of hitting three million tons of finished copper production over the next ten years.
“We are confident that our continued investment in new infrastructure will play a critical role in unlocking opportunities for growth not only in our catchment communities of Kitwe and Mufulira but also across the Copperbelt, apart from improving productivity,”
“Our robust expansion programme anchored on sinking and equipping new shafts at Nkana and Mufulira mine sites as well as building the brand new concentrator will safeguard the existing jobs with the potential to create new ones in the future,” Mr Sakanya said.
Earlier, CAMINEX President, London Mwafulilwa commended Mopani management for holding the company during the search for an equity partner.
Mr Mwafulilwa also praised the government for finding a credible partner for Mopani Copper Mine.
“With the new equity partner on the ground, we are very much expecting more efforts,” He said.
Mr Mwafulira also stated that CAMINEX has continued to grow attracting 45 new entrants this year
The three days show will run from today Tuesday May 28 to May 30th under the theme ‘Unlocking Opportunities for Growth: Zambia’s Landlinked position’.
President Hakainde Hichilema is tomorrow expected to officially open the show.