.SCOTT

By MAIMBOLWA MULIKELELA –
VICE-PRESIDENT Guy Scott says the Government is promoting high level investment in value-addition to enhance business linkages in the country’s economy.
Dr Scott noted that it was only through value-addition that Zambia could be able to enhance linkages at various levels of the economy.
The Vice-President was speaking during the Chamber of Mines of Zambia inaugural mining awards gala in Lusaka on Friday evening.
“This should include investment in exploration and drilling, rehabilitation of plant and equipment and smelting,” Dr Scott said.
The Government would provide favourable investment climate aimed at ensuring that the mining sector contributes to the growth of the economy through job creation and poverty reduction.
The investment would be targeted towards developing appropriate technical skills through the universities and colleges.
“We have recognised the lack of sufficient technical skills to support the growing mining industry,” he said. “But we recognise the efforts being taken by the mines themselves to promote skills development in the sector.”
Earlier, Mines, Energy and Water Development Minister Christopher Yaluma said the performance of the mining industry had improved due to increased copper production, opening of new mines and the expansion of existing facilities.
Mr Yaluma said copper production in 2013 increased to 763,000 tonnes and was projected to reach 1,500,000 tonnes by next year.
For growth to translate into actual benefits for the people, Mr Yaluma said it was important that measures were put in place to support economic development.
Mr Yaluma said the awards should serve as an opportunity for business linkages for local companies and help the public understand the industry better.
“This should also inspire companies and individuals who may not be awarded tonight to work harder to improve their performance,” Mr Yaluma said.
“The holding of these awards with the intention of promoting service excellence compliments Government efforts in enhancing economic growth.”
Chamber of Mines Zambia president Emmanuel Mutati said the objective of the awards was to provide a forum to recognise services and excellence of individuals and member mining companies.
Mopani Copper Mines won Mining Company Award of the year while the Chamber of Mines-President Award went to late former Bank of Zambia governor David Phiri.
Mopani Copper Mines scooped three other awards – Best Performer in Occupational Health and Safety, Best Performer in Innovation and Best Mining Employer – while Kansanshi Mining walked away with Best Performer in Social Investment.
Kansanshi Mining also scooped the Best Performer in Local Content while Woman Award went to Catherine Mwale Walubita from Konkola Copper Mines (KCM).
Mining Personality of the Year went to Jackson Sikamo from Chibuluma Mines while Best Performer in Environmental Management for the Year was Chambishi Metals.