YALUMA

By KENNEDY MUPESENI-
THE Government is analysing the mining value chain, to come up with an effective mineral monitoring and auditing mechanism, Mines Minister Christopher Yaluma has said.
Mr Yaluma said the analysis will include exploration, mining production, processing, refining and export sales.
Speaking at the Great Rift Valley Mining Summit in Lusaka yesterday, the minister said coming up with effective and efficient mineral monitoring would not only ensure what was due to Government but encourage transparence in the sector.
“These mechanisms my ministry is putting in place will not only enable Government collect what is due to it in terms of revenue but will also encourage transparency and eliminate the perceptions of widespread tax avoidance practices within the mining sector,” Mr Yaluma said.
The two-day summit has attracted mining countries and companies along the Great Rift Valley to showcase their mineral potential and exchange ideas to improve mining sectors in respective countries.
Mr Yaluma added that, the mining sector was facing a shortage of skilled manpower which is a critical input in any industry.
In view of the skilled labour shortages in the country, the
Government has undertaken to review the education curriculum of universities, colleges and trades training institutions to meet the needs of the mining industry.
Mr Yaluma also said his ministry was encouraging mining exploration
companies to develop extensive skills development in conjunction with
education institutions.
“Our vision is to have a vibrant and well-organised Public -Private Partnership driven sector which will contribute significantly to the Gross Domestic Product of the country and provide a platform for sustainable economic development,” he said.
Mr Yaluma said to realise this, Government was focusing on the
establishment of new large scale mining operations given the vast
mineral wealth.