President Hakainde Hichilema Reaffirms UPND Dedication To Zambian Mineral Resources
President Hakainde Hichilema has reaffirmed the UPND government's dedication to fostering economic growth through the value addition of Zambia's mineral resources. Emphasising the crucial role of adding value to Zambian gemstones in driving economic development, the President advocated for the comprehensive mapping of the nation's mineral-rich areas to optimise their potential.
During a visit to Lusaka's Jewel of Africa, a local enterprise specialising in enhancing the value of precious minerals, President Hichilema commended the company for its endeavours in processing and manufacturing diverse products from gemstones. He stressed the importance of local and international companies establishing gemstone processing, mounting, and marketing facilities within Zambia.
President Hichilema underscored the need to fully exploit Zambia's abundant mineral blessings to create employment opportunities for the majority of citizens. He called upon geologists and mining experts to intensify efforts in mapping mineral areas accurately, pinpointing regions with the highest concentrations. The government, he stated, is committed to investing in mechanised equipment to facilitate efficient mining of the country's mineral-rich deposits.
Highlighting the potential for substantial revenue generation and its positive impact on critical sectors like health and education, President Hichilema disclosed a deliberate policy to send individuals for training in gemstone polishing and cutting at the Lapidary Training Centre in Ndola.
This initiative aims to empower individuals to enter the gemstone industry, thereby contributing to job creation for the Zambian populace. Jewel of Africa's Managing Director, Ranjish Sharma, showcased Zambia's top-quality gemstones, asserting their competitiveness on the global stage. The company, established in 1982, remains steadfast in its commitment to adding value to precious minerals as a means of fostering the growth of the Zambian economy.