By JIMMY CHIBUYE
MINISTER of Mines, Energy and Water Development Christopher Yaluma has directed relevant authorities to vigilantly guard against exportation of copper concentrates because Zambia has enough smelters to process the copper ore.
Mr Yaluma said in an interview yesterday that no mining company will be permitted to transport copper ore to other countries because Zambia has a lot of underutilised smelters that can adequately process the concentrates.
“I have instructed that no one should transport copper ore outside Zambia because we have adequate smelters which can process these concentrates.
“So if the mining companies are stockpiling the ore, it is their choice because we will not allow the export of copper concentrates,” he said.
Mr Yaluma said the copper concentrate contains different minerals which can be of use to Zambia if processed locally.
And Mr Yaluma has described the performance of the mining sector last year as “very good” despite some challenges.
He, however, said Zambians have not fully benefited from the mines and this is why Government has revised the Mines and Minerals Development Act of 2008 and the Mining Policy of 1995.
Mr Yaluma said the revision of the Act will enable Government to assist individuals engaged in mining to partner with mining firms if they meet the criteria.
“Putting in place the policy and the Act will surely change the way the mines are being managed and will allow our people to benefit not only through employment but also partnering with the mining companies in various positions,” he said.
Mr Yaluma further said Government targets to reach 1.5 million tonnes of copper output in the next two years, adding that for the first time, mineral output is likely hit 800,000 tonnes per annum.
He said the mining industry has continued to steadily contribute to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) from 5.9 percent in 2012 and Government projects to reach between eight percent and10 percent this year.
Mr Yaluma said in the previous year, Government issued nine licences for the exploration of oil in Zambia and he is confident that one of the companies given the licence will succeed in striking oil.
He also said Government has been marketing the mining industry to international firms and a huge Australian mining firm, Fortescue Metals Group Limited, will soon be coming to Zambia to invest.
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