• KML assistant general manager Tristan Pascall (left) welcomes Norwegian Ambassador to Zambia Arve Ofstad as FQM government affairs manager John Gladston looks on at Sentinel.

By DAVIS MULENGA in Kalumbila-
THE Norwegian government is working with Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) special mining unit in up scaling capacity and competencies in the mine tax systems in Zambia.
Norwegian Ambassador to Zambia Arve Ofstad disclosed in Kalumbila yesterday that the Norwegian tax authority is working in collaboration with the ZRA large tax payer’s office in building capacities and other possible avenues.
“This project is aimed at ensuring that the two teams get the right taxes to demand from the large mining companies and other players in the mining industry of Zambia,” Mr Ofstad explained.
He also disclosed that his Government, the ZRA, the Ministry of Mines and the Bank of Zambia were also working at establishing a system of how much is being processed to avoid double counting.
Mr Ofstad further said his government was working with all stake holders in Zambia in establishing a data system of defining percentages of copper ore and other minerals.
“The reason is that data collected in the past was not clear as to how much ore is being churned out per year from different mines and ore bodies in Zambia,” Mr Ofstad said.
The Norwegian Ambassador disclosed that all forms of data which include weighbridges, copper ore from the mines and the final products for export will be captured to provide relevant and accurate information going forward.
He noted that inconsistencies in copper ore data have manifested due to lack of good collaboration and defined roles among the various stakeholders involved.
FQM Kalumbila mine assistant general manager Tristan Pascall urged Government to maintain a stable and forecast tax regime.
“A stable tax regime will encourage capital intensive investment in Zambia to the benefit of the local people.
“As an investor, I have to choose the tax numbers, we invest where it is fair and more stable,” Mr Pascall said.
He further said that FQM brought in investors with hedge funds from the Europe and America to come invest in Zambia two years ago.
Mr Pascall noted that FQM had confidence in Zambia hence the interest in investing more.
Mr Pascal l said Sentinel Mine was expected to start operations in July this year with an initial output of 20,000 tonnes to about 300 000 tonnes at full capacity in the next few years to come.
The FQM will also be introducing a Zambian partner and simultaneously hand over a full empowerment process of Kashimi Copper Mines in Mkushi North.
Mr Pascall explained that FQM and its Zambian partners were facing challenges with registration processes.