Economy - Copperbelt Katanga Mining

Zambia Plans to Create Billionaires from Mining While Enforcing Investor Accountability 1

Mines and Development Minister Paul Kabuswe has announced the Zambian government’s ambitious plan to transform the mining industry by creating billionaires and empowering local miners. Speaking at the launch of the 2024 Zambia Mining and Investment Insaka, Kabuswe highlighted the administration’s commitment to supporting Zambian miners and enforcing strict regulations to ensure investor accountability. Kabuswe asserted that under President Hakainde Hichilema’s administration, the government would not tolerate any investor misconduct. “We want to support all Zambians. We want many small-scale Zambians to engage in mining. Our message to artisanal and… Read More Here

Mining in DRC Copper Economy

AFC Invests in Kamoa-Kakula, Africa’s Largest Copper Deposit

June 26, 2024June 26, 2024 Constance

Kamoa-Kakula is a world-class, high-grade, low-carbon underground copper deposit located on the western edge of the prolific Central African Copperbelt. KINSHASA, Democratic Republic of the Congo, June 26, 2024/ — Africa Finance Corporation (AFC), the leader in infrastructure solutions on the continent, has announced the closing of a $150 million senior loan agreement with Kamoa Copper to support the expansion of the Kamoa-Kakula copper deposit in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The loan provided by AFC, which acted as the financier and arranger, demonstrates its commitment to supporting the… Read More Here

Mining in Zambia Economy

Zambia Proposes K41.9 Billion Supplementary Budget to Combat Severe Drought and Manage Debt

June 23, 2024June 23, 2024 Constance

Dr. Situmbeko Musokotwane, Zambia’s Minister of Finance and National Planning, presented the Supplementary Estimates of Expenditure No. 1 of 2024 to Parliament, proposing a K41.9 billion budget to address the severe impacts of the ongoing drought and manage the country’s debt obligations. Dr. Musokotwane detailed the grave situation necessitating this supplementary budget. The drought, described as the worst in nearly sixty years, has affected over 9.8 million people—nearly 48 percent of the population—causing significant crop loss, water scarcity, and power generation issues. The agricultural sector is expected to decline by… Read More Here

Mining in Zambia Copper Economy

Pressure Intensifies on Zambia’s Mines Minister to Complete Konkola Copper Mines Transfer to Vedanta Resources

June 20, 2024June 20, 2024 Constance

The Minister of Mines and Minerals Development, Honorable Paul Kabuswe, is under increasing pressure to fulfill the government’s promise of transferring control of Konkola Copper Mines (KCM) to Vedanta Resources by June 30, 2024. Advocates for National Development and Democracy (ANDD) have welcomed Minister Kabuswe’s assurance that the legal framework for the KCM-Vedanta transition will be finalized by the end of this month. Executive Director Samuel Banda emphasized the urgent need for KCM to resume operations swiftly to stimulate job creation and business opportunities. “We urge the minister to honor… Read More Here

Mining in Zambia Economy

AI-Driven Transformation Boosts Zambia Revenue Authority’s Collection by 60%

June 20, 2024June 20, 2024 Constance

The Minister of Technology and Science, Hon. Felix Mutati, has announced that the application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has significantly enhanced the Zambia Revenue Authority’s (ZRA) revenue collection capabilities, increasing them by 60 percent over the past two years. During a lecture on AI at the University of Lusaka Silverest Campus in Chongwe District, Mr. Mutati highlighted the transformative impact of AI on revenue collection and tax compliance. He emphasized that AI has equipped ZRA with advanced tools that streamline and optimize these processes. “AI is here to stay, and… Read More Here

Mining in Zambia Copper Economy

ZUPED Urges Swift Action on Konkola Copper Mines to Revitalize Economy

June 19, 2024June 19, 2024 Constance

The Zambians for Unity, Peace, and Development (ZUPED) has voiced serious concerns about the ongoing inactivity of Konkola Copper Mines Plc (KCM), stressing its detrimental impact on Zambia’s national economy. ZUPED President Ronnie Jere highlighted that the weakening of the kwacha is partly due to decreased revenue from copper exports, directly linked to KCM’s halt in operations. Mr. Jere emphasized that current favorable copper prices on the international market represent a missed opportunity for Zambia to boost production and secure essential foreign exchange. He urged the government to expedite the… Read More Here

Mining in Zambia Copper Economy

Zambia Aims to Reclaim Title as Africa’s Leading Copper Producer

June 19, 2024June 23, 2024 Constance

Finance and National Planning Minister Dr. Situmbeko Musokotwane has expressed confidence that Zambia’s current policies and strategies will enable the country to reclaim its position as Africa’s leading copper producer. Dr. Musokotwane made these remarks during a courtesy call by Barrick Lumwana Country Manager Anthony Malenga in Lusaka. Mr. Malenga announced that the Lumwana super-pit expansion project, valued at $2 billion, will commence in 2025, following the completion of feasibility studies. The expansion is expected to create approximately 2,500 jobs. “In the interim, we will continue to ramp up production… Read More Here

Mining in Zambia Battery Metals Economy Mining in DRC

Zambia to Leverage Economic Diplomacy for BEV Initiative Success

June 19, 2024June 19, 2024 Constance

Zambia will utilize its strengthened economic diplomatic capabilities to ensure the effective implementation of the joint Battery and Electric Vehicle (BEV) value chain initiative, according to Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Mulambo Haimbe. Speaking on Voice of America’s Nightline Africa, Mr. Haimbe highlighted the impact of Zambia’s economic diplomacy under the New Dawn government on regional stability, peace, and security in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region. Zambia has partnered with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to establish a value chain in the electric battery and… Read More Here

International Economy

IMF Analysis: Global Economy Shows Resilience Amid Uneven Growth

June 16, 2024June 16, 2024 Constance

In a recent analysis published by the International Monetary Fund (IMF), experts assert that the global economy remains resilient despite uneven growth. Following the pandemic, supply chain disruptions, an energy and food crisis due to Russia’s war against Ukraine, and soaring inflation have prompted synchronized tightening of monetary policy worldwide. Global growth reached its lowest point of 2.3% at the end of 2022, just after the median headline inflation rate peaked at 9.4%. According to projections in the new World Economic Outlook, growth for this year and next is expected… Read More Here

Mining in Zambia Copper Economy Mining tax Taxes

Mopani Copper Mines Pays K341 Million in Taxes Following IRH Takeover

June 15, 2024June 15, 2024 Constance

Mopani Copper Mines, under the management of International Resources Holdings (IRH) since March, has paid K341 million in taxes, as disclosed by the government. IRH took over management of Mopani with government support earlier this year, resulting in significant operational and financial improvements for the company. During a visit by IRH Chief Financial Officer Abhinay Khowala to Finance and National Planning Minister Situmbeko Musokotwane on June 11th, the substantial tax payments by the company were highlighted. Khowala praised Zambia as a favorable mining destination, emphasizing the company’s financial reliability and… Read More Here