Chinese Mining Firms Unite to Boost Zambia’s Mining Industry
Chinese mining companies in Zambia have officially launched the Chinese Mining Enterprises Association in Zambia (CMEAZ) to enhance their contributions to the country’s mining sector.
The launch event, held on Tuesday, was attended by Chinese Ambassador to Zambia Han Jing, senior Zambian government officials, and representatives from Chinese mining firms.
Ambassador Han hailed the establishment of CMEAZ as a significant milestone in Sino-Zambian relations, which date back to Chinese investments in the Chambishi copper mine in 1998.
He highlighted that over 20 Chinese mining companies operating in Zambia have collectively invested $3.5 billion, paid over $260 million in taxes in 2023 alone, and employ more than 15,000 Zambians.
Additionally, CMEAZ’s skills training center trains about 1,000 local workers annually, further supporting the local economy.
CMEAZ Chairperson Li Zhanyan reaffirmed the association’s commitment to Zambia’s mining industry, emphasizing its role in helping the country achieve its target of producing three million tons of copper annually by 2031. He also announced plans to invest an additional $5 billion in Zambia’s mining sector over the next five years.
Zambia’s Minister of Mines and Minerals Development, Paul Kabuswe, represented by Tobias Musonda, praised CMEAZ’s formation as a crucial step in strengthening Zambia-China mining cooperation.
He noted that the association would promote business partnerships, enhance government-corporate collaboration, and support Zambia’s efforts to boost copper production, ultimately fostering stronger bilateral relations.
