Mining Audit Completed

The Minister for Mines and Minerals Development Paul Kabuswe says his department has finished conducting its audit of the mining industry and handed over the report to President Hakainde Hichilema.

Mr Kabuswe added that he expected the issuance of new mining licenses to resume again soon, following a suspension two months ago to address longstanding issues in the system.

“the New Dawn administration is committed to ensuring that the mining sector is transformed to a sector it has never been before, “ he told a crowd in Chililabombwe on Sunday.

The minister observed that the recently announced  $1.25 billion investment by First Quantum Minerals into the Kansanshi copper mine would revolutionise the mining industry and bring hundreds of jobs to the people of Zambia.

He also reiterated the government’s commitment to finding sustainable solutions at Mopani Copper Mine sand Konkola Copper Mines, with the ultimate aim of reaching 3 million tonnes of copper extraction per year.

Since taking office, the New Dawn government has ushered in a wave of renewed confidence in Zambia’s mining sector. Investors including Barrick Gold have hinted at their intentions to explore new projects in the country, while Anglo-American has committed to a new joint venture with Arc Minerals – the company’s first investment in Zambia for 20 years.  

This investment will ultimately lead to more, higher-paying jobs in the mining sector and associated industries. It will also result in better infrastructure, schools and hospitals as the government takes in larger sums of tax revenue from the mining corporations themselves.