Govt to Launch National Critical Mineral Strategy
The Zambian Government is set to unveil its National Critical Minerals Strategy on Thursday, August 29, 2024. Mines and Mineral Development Minister Paul Kabuswe announced that the new strategy aims to ensure that no mineral leaves the country in its raw form, thereby enhancing value addition within Zambia’s mining sector.
Minister Kabuswe emphasized that the strategy will establish regulations to oversee the level of value addition and will also target an increase in production to 3 million metric tons per annum by 2031.
This initiative is expected to boost the country’s mining sector by ensuring greater economic benefits from its mineral resources.
The announcement was made during the 2024 Zambia Alternative Mining Indaba in Lusaka, where the speech was read by the Ministry of Mines Permanent Secretary Hapenga Kabeta.
Publish What You Pay Zambia National Coordinator Nsama Chikwanka highlighted that Zambia has yet to fully benefit from its natural resources.
He stressed the need to explore more effective ways to leverage these resources for national development.
Zambia Alternative Mining Indaba Co-Chairperson Edward Lange noted that co-hosting the Indaba with the Government underscores the importance of good governance and collaboration with strategic partners in managing the mining industry.
He praised the Government for its open-door policy and its willingness to engage with Civil Society Organizations on mining sector issues.
