Zambia’s Mines Minister Brenda Tambatamba Urges CNMC to Strengthen Local Content and Community Benefits

Zambia’s Mines Minister Calls for Greater Local Benefits from Mining Investments as CNMC Reports US$3 Billion Investment

Minister of Mines and Minerals Development Brenda Tambatamba has called on mining companies operating in Zambia to ensure that their investments deliver greater economic benefits to local communities through employment creation, skills development, technology transfer and increased participation of Zambian businesses in the mining supply chain.

Speaking during a courtesy meeting with Lulu Shi, General Manager of the International Cooperation Department at China Nonferrous Metal Mining (Group) Co., Ltd (CNMC), Tambatamba emphasised that Zambia’s mineral resources belong to its citizens and must contribute meaningfully to national economic development.

The Minister described Zambia as an enterprise in which citizens are the shareholders, stressing that the Government’s responsibility is to attract investment partners capable of generating sustainable economic opportunities while supporting the country’s long-term development objectives.

She noted that although foreign investment remains critical to expanding Zambia’s mining industry, its success should also be measured by the benefits delivered to workers, local suppliers and communities surrounding mining operations.

Minister Urges Mining Investors to Prioritise Local Content Development

Tambatamba underscored the importance of strengthening local procurement and supplier development, calling for closer collaboration between the Government and mining companies to address challenges limiting the participation of Zambian businesses in the sector.

She encouraged mining investors to create opportunities for local enterprises to supply goods and services, thereby supporting domestic industrial growth and increasing the economic value retained within Zambia.

The Minister also highlighted the importance of technology transfer and knowledge sharing, noting that international mining companies possess technical expertise that could help strengthen Zambia’s mining workforce and improve operational efficiency.

She welcomed CNMC’s technological capabilities and global mining experience, particularly its contribution to modernising mining operations and introducing advanced production systems.

Tambatamba further acknowledged the technology deployed at Chambishi Copper Mine, including its underground mining control centre, which supports improved operational monitoring, efficiency and mine safety.

She emphasised that such technological advancements should be accompanied by programmes that develop the technical capabilities of Zambian professionals.

Tambatamba Commends CNMC’s Role in Luanshya Shaft 28 Rehabilitation

The Minister commended CNMC for its longstanding investment in Zambia’s mining industry, highlighting the rehabilitation of Luanshya Copper Mine’s Shaft 28 as a significant example of the company’s contribution to revitalising existing mining assets.

Through its subsidiary, CNMC Luanshya Copper Mines, the Chinese mining group is undertaking the rehabilitation and dewatering of Shaft 28, an important project aimed at restoring copper production at the underground mine.

The project, whose progress was witnessed by President Hakainde Hichilema, is expected to facilitate the resumption of production in 2027 after approximately 23 years of inactivity.

The reopening of Shaft 28 is expected to contribute to increased copper output while creating opportunities for employment, local contractors and businesses in Luanshya.

Tambatamba encouraged CNMC to build on its achievements and continue investing in projects that will support Zambia’s ambition of producing three million metric tonnes of copper annually.

Government Emphasises Employee Welfare and Community Development

Beyond production and investment expansion, Tambatamba urged mining companies to strengthen their commitment to corporate social responsibility, particularly in areas directly affecting employees and surrounding communities.

She stressed that responsible mining investment should begin with improving employee welfare, including access to healthcare, education and better working conditions.

The Minister further encouraged mining companies to extend their development initiatives to communities hosting mining operations, ensuring that local populations benefit from the economic activities taking place in their areas.

Her remarks reinforced the Government’s position that mining investments must contribute to inclusive economic growth rather than focusing exclusively on mineral extraction and financial returns.

She called for stronger partnerships between the Government and mining companies to ensure that community development, local content participation and skills development remain central to mining investment strategies.

CNMC Reports US$3 Billion Investment and US$282 Million Tax Contribution

During the meeting, CNMC representative Lulu Shi reaffirmed the company’s commitment to supporting Zambia’s mining sector and advancing the Government’s Grow Zambia Agenda.

Shi disclosed that CNMC’s cumulative investment in Zambia had reached approximately US$3 billion by the end of 2025, demonstrating the group’s continued commitment to the country’s mining industry.

She further revealed that the company’s Zambian operations employ more than 5,000 people and contributed approximately US$282 million in taxes during 2025.

The company also outlined plans to expand its investments and strengthen cooperation with the Government in three priority areas: mineral resource expansion and increased copper production, local procurement and supplier development, and environmentally sustainable mining practices.

Shi reaffirmed CNMC’s commitment to improving production capacity across its Zambian operations while contributing to the country’s long-term copper production ambitions.

Zambia Seeks Stronger Economic Returns from Mining Investments

The engagement comes as Zambia continues to position its mining industry for increased investment and production growth, with the Government targeting annual copper output of three million metric tonnes.

Achieving this ambition will require sustained investment in exploration, mine rehabilitation, infrastructure development and advanced mining technologies.

However, Tambatamba emphasised that expanding production must go hand in hand with creating meaningful opportunities for Zambians.

The Minister’s engagement with CNMC highlights the Government’s continued focus on ensuring that mining investments contribute not only to increased mineral output but also to local industrial development, employment, skills transfer and improved livelihoods in mining communities.

As Zambia seeks to attract further investment into its mineral resources, stronger collaboration between mining companies and the Government will remain essential to ensuring that the country’s mineral wealth delivers sustainable economic benefits.