THE Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops (ZCCB) has applauded government for its continued commitment to rejuvenating the mining sector in the country.
In its pastoral letter dated 15th November, 2024, ZCCB described the recent reopening of Konkola Copper Mines (KCM) and Mopani Copper Mines as transformative steps for the country’s economy.
The Bishops commended government for securing strategic partnerships that promise to rejuvenate Zambia’s mining industry, increase copper production and restore economic vitality to the Copperbelt.
Recently, the country has seen significant progress in the mining sector.
In August this year, President Hakainde Hichilema relaunched KCM under a new partnership with Vedanta Resources Limited which was signed last year in November.
The agreement between the two parties came after a five year legal battle, with Vedanta committing over $1 billion to revive mining operations and boost copper output to 300,000 metric tonnes annually.
In March this year, Mopani Copper Mines (MCM) was reopened in a partnership between ZCCM-IH and Delta Mining Limited, a subsidiary of International Resource Holdings (IRH) from the UAE.
The deal, backed by a $1.1 billion investment, retained a 49% Zambian shareholding in the mine, affirming government’s commitment to ensuring local participation in the country’s mineral wealth.
In response to the above developments, ZCCB stated that these developments are crucial to revitalising the mining sector, which remains the backbone of Zambia’s economy.
“Such efforts would go a long way in increasing copper production and revitalising economic life on the Copperbelt,” wrote ZCCB.
The Bishops further called upon government to increase the State’s shareholding percentage in foreign mining companies and to review the tax holidays that were extended to such companies in previous budgets.
Meanwhile, the clergy called on government to ensure that mining operations adhere to principles of sustainability and accountability urging the establishment of a transparent legal framework that safeguards environmental protection, workers’ rights and equitable taxation.
“These measures are essential to protecting Zambia’s natural resources and guaranteeing that the benefits of mining are felt by every citizen, not just a privileged few,” read the letter.
By Catherine Pule
Kalemba, November 18, 2024
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