Chinese Mining Enterprises Launch Association to Boost Zambia’s Mining Sector
Chinese mining companies operating in Zambia have officially launched the Chinese Mining Enterprises Association in Zambia (CMEAZ) to strengthen their contribution to the country’s mining sector.
The launch ceremony, held on Tuesday, was attended by the Chinese Ambassador to Zambia, Han Jing, senior Zambian government officials, and representatives of Chinese mining companies.
Ambassador Han commended the association’s formation as a milestone in Sino-Zambian relations, which began with Chinese investments in the Chambishi copper mine in 1998.
Highlighting the growing partnership, he noted that over 20 Chinese mining companies in Zambia have invested a total of $3.5 billion.
These enterprises collectively paid over $260 million in taxes in 2023 and employ more than 15,000 Zambians. The CMEAZ’s skills training center trains approximately 1,000 local workers annually, further contributing to the local economy.
CMEAZ Chairperson Li Zhanyan emphasized the association’s dedication to Zambia’s mining industry, particularly in helping Zambia reach its ambitious target of three million tons of copper production by 2031.
He revealed that the association plans to invest an additional $5 billion over the next five years.
Zambian Minister of Mines and Minerals Development Paul Kabuswe, represented by Tobias Musonda, lauded the association’s establishment as a pivotal step in strengthening Zambia-China mining cooperation.
He highlighted that the CMEAZ will facilitate better business cooperation and deepen government and corporate exchanges, ultimately advancing Zambia’s copper production goal and fostering bilateral relations between the two nations.
