Association Urges Government to Clearly Highlight Investments Being Attracted in Mining Sector

Mine Suppliers and Contractors Association of Zambia has urged government to be clear on the investment attracted in the mining industry.

In response to Mines Minister Paul Kabuswe’s declaration that the country has attracted a total of US$12 billion in the mining sector in the last 3 years, Association President Costa Mwaba says government should separate investment pledges from actual investments.

He states that what matters the most to local suppliers and contractors is the translation of the investment pledges into actual investments.

Mr. Mwaba adds that in as much as the investments are welcome, they need to support the growth of the local vendors in the mining industry in order to have a meaningful impact on the citizens.

He however notes that part of the figure revealed by Mr. Kabuswe could be attributed to the reopening of Mopani and Konkola Copper Mines, as well as Shaft-28, Ming’omba and Lubambe Mines among others.

And Mr. Mwaba is calling on government to come up with a law that will help local suppliers and contractors to have reserved mining companies for the business.

He says this is the major reason why the Association has been calling for a local content Bill to safeguard the local suppliers’ business in the mining sector.

Mr. Mwaba is of the view that if this is not attended to, there will be a continuation of government pronouncements of mining investments and pledges without being actualized and further hinder the growth of the local vendors in the sector.