Chamber of Mines Applauds Mining Sector Growth

The Zambian Chamber of Mines has said that the recent developments in the mining sector are encouraging and signal that the country is moving forward positively after a period of economic uncertainty. 

Zambia’s Chamber of Mines Chief Executive Officer Sokwani Chilembo says the country is poised to see advancements in the Sector, which he believes Zambia has struggled with for the past years.

Speaking to ZNBC News in Lusaka on Tuesday, November 19, Mr Chilembo explained that he believes the mining sector will now see consistent growth and progress.

“This is what we’ve been struggling for all along - consistent growth, consistent progress; we will see this begin to accelerate as long as we maintain the environment that we’ve managed to secure until now; this is why we’ve had robust engagements with the government to be sure that we present a stable outlook to the world,” said Mr Chilembo.

Recently, President HH’s schedule has been busy supporting initiatives that have seen the reopening of some mines whose activities were halted due to various issues, including legal issues.

HH was in the northwestern province to reopen the Kalengwa Mine, whose activities have been stalled for a long time. 

Speaking at the reopening ceremony, President Hichilema said, “We who seek to be elected, over these years, have failed to acknowledge the importance of this mine; for 46 years, this mine was left unattended, its resources dormant, resources that could add to the growth of our economy and jobs for the people of this area.”

The Mine Workers Union of Zambia says the Government’s ambitious target of increasing copper production to 3 billion tonnes annually is attainable. Since President Hichilema took office, Zambia’s mining sector has received millions of dollars of investment, and the sector remains a priority for the President.