By MAYA NTANDA –
KAGEM Mining has contributed US$35 million to the Government coffers in taxes.
Kagem Mining and Gemfields executive director Sean Gilbertson said the company has paid more than $35 million in various taxes as at June 30 last year.
Mr Gilbertson said in a statement in Kitwe that $25.7 million was paid as corporate tax, $5.3 million mineral royalties and $4 million as dividends.
He said Kagem’s approach to its community development projects aimed at ensuring maximum impact through a long-term sustainable strategy which addresses the needs of the people.
Mr Gilbertson said in doing so, Kagem works hand-in-hand with the community, Government and Non-Governmental Organisations.
He said the Lufwanyama district based emerald producer  was focused  on alleviating poverty and was  aligned with Government policies, objectives as well as the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and Vision 2030.
“To date, Kagem has spent more than K3 million on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) projects, including provision of a Zesco power line, new buildings at Chapula Basic School, teachers’ accommodation at Kapila Community School, improvements to Chief Nkana and Chief Lumpuma’s Palaces.
“Other projects include, the Nkana clinic, and the ‘Blessings’ and ‘Green Farm’ projects and the contribution towards road grading and maintenance in the district,” he said.
Mr Gilbertson said the company’s motivation was to benefit the people of Lufwanyama, and by extension improve the well-being of its workers, their families and the community in which the Kagem emerald mine is located.