Mopani Sets Final Compliance Deadline for Local Contractors
Non-Compliant Mopani Contractors Face Ban by August 31, 2025: CEO Issues Final Warning
Mopani Copper Mines has issued a firm deadline of August 31, 2025, for all local suppliers and contractors to comply with statutory obligations or risk being disqualified from doing business with the mining company.
Speaking at a recent stakeholder engagement meeting, Chief Executive Officer Charles Sakanya expressed concern over the low compliance levels among local vendors with key institutions such as the National Pension Scheme Authority (NAPSA) and the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA).
He revealed that out of over 6,000 registered suppliers, only 1,500 are currently compliant.
“This is the third and final extension. We will not allow non-compliant contractors to continue doing business with Mopani beyond August 31, 2025,” Mr. Sakanya emphasized.
He also highlighted Mopani’s significant contribution to local economic development, noting that the company disbursed more than $93 million to hundreds of local suppliers and contractors between January and June 2025.
Among these payments was a landmark $16.1 million contract awarded to a wholly Zambian-owned company, showcasing Mopani’s commitment to empowering local businesses.
Additionally, Mr. Sakanya disclosed that under the mine’s new development strategy—led by its majority shareholder, International Resources Holdings (IRH)—a new clause has been introduced in all long-term agreements with foreign-owned but Zambian-registered firms.
This clause mandates that at least 20% of the work in such contracts must be subcontracted to Zambian entities, reinforcing the mine’s pledge to support domestic participation in the mining sector.
Mopani’s announcement serves as a decisive call for local vendors to regularize their compliance status and align with industry and legal standards—or face exclusion from one of Zambia’s largest mining operations.
