GOVERNMENT has challenged Zambians to invest in the mining sector if they are to contribute to national development.
Mines and Minerals Development Deputy Minister Jazzman Chikwakwa said Zambia has the best mineral resources in southern African that citizens should take advantage of.
Mr Chikwakwa said this in an interview last week at the close of the Zambia International Mining and Energy Conference (ZAIMEC) at Lusaka’s TajPamodzi Hotel.
“Zambia has abundant natural resources, including minerals. I want to challenge Zambians to invest in the mining sector. They should partner with foreign investors. It is the only way we are going to develop this country,” he said.
He said God has given Zambians a beautiful country which is endowed with the best copper and manganese.
Mr Chikwakwa called for strong partnership between Chiengi district and Mpweto area in Lubumbashi, saying the two areas have a lot of mineral resource, which can bring about economic development.
“As government we are committed in ensuring that our local people benefit from these minerals. We want to create partnerships with foreign investors.
We want to create job opportunities for our people. This is our goal, to put money in people’s pockets…because Zambia is for Zambians,” he said.
And AFRICAST executive director Chimwemwe Nyirenda has described the just-ended ZIMEC as a success.
Mr Nyirenda said his organisation is proud to have partnered with AME Trade Limited in ensuring that the mining indaba is a success.
AME Trade Limited is a United Kingdom based organisation which specialises in the area of trade promotion for Africa and Middle East regions including, business to business conferences, trade exhibitions, public relations, and consultancy services.
Mr Nyirenda said over 100 exhibitors and 600 delegates participated at the exhibition.
“This is a great achievement for us. We had exhibitors and delegates from countries like Russia, the UK and Zimbabwe,” he said.
He also commended the ministry of mines for partnering with his organisations to host the mining Indaba, adding that the indaba will attract more investment into the country.
[Zambia Daily Mail]
UYU MUDALA NIOSILA. WHY TALK ABOUT THE SAME MINING SECTOR>WE NEED FOOD SECURITY FIRST
most Zambians want to first buy 3 cars each live in a bigger house than their neighbor have more pairs of shoes and suits than their friends and keep the rest of their money under the pillow i don’t think they are interested in investing the mining sector to help out one another by having more money in circulation
Thats what happens when you put finished politicians with no ideas on mining in higher positions. No wonder Zambia is where it is because of such mediocare politicians. God help us
It would be good if people like Jazzman Chikwakwa understood the costs of mining, and the difficulties that the Zambia government put across for one to venture into mining. It is easier for a foreigner to venture into mining than it is for a Zambian. Banks in Zambia dont give locals capital loans. And the government surely doesnt help either. Its always down to such rhetoric of urging Zambians to venture into.
which “Zambians” is Jazzman talking about here?
HE KNOWS WHAT HE IS TALKING ABOUT. PEOPLE ARE MAKING MONEY IN ZAMBIA. TIME TO GO BACK.http://wotnews.com.au/announcement/ethan_minerals_limited_exploration_update/01162760/
#6 Africat – thanks for sharing that link. Its true money is being made but how did he amass those leases he is selling to chinese?
no. 7 Amayama I bet your guess is as good as mine. If you cant beat them join them. Otherwise balapwisha ukushitisha ichalo ba mumbwe.
Talking nonesense…. one cannot expect half-educted people to start a mining company.
Educate local people and give them mining equipment and let them learn skills to polish stones
#7 Jazzman ali beula. Was he not sued by George Kunda’s son Howard for a deal related to some manganese mine, because, if I remember very, Mr Jazzman entered into some deal with two separate investors, effectively cutting out Howard who then took legal action. I wonder what became of the case. Either way, people are making money from mining.
No 7 you are free to go and apply for mining leases just like Jazzman. The problem with you Zambians is you see everything in politics and corruption. While you sleeping others are making money… I applied for copper mining leases and i got them… i will soon be making money.