By CHATULA KANGALI –
CHINESE experts have concluded the mineral survey of metals and gemstones in Northern, Muchinga and parts of Luapula provinces of Zambia.
Results of soil samples that were collected from the survey were expected to be presented to Government next month.
Mines Permanent secretary Paul Chanda confirmed this in an interview yesterday.
Mr Chanda said the Chinese experts that were engaged by Government in 2011 had concluded the mineral survey of the Northern part of the country and were expected to carry out aerial surveys for minerals in the areas using a drone.
“The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that we signed with the Ministry of Justice has expired. We are working on renewing it and once it is done, the Chinese experts would conduct other mineral surveys using a drone, “he said.
Mr Chanda added that Government was working on opening up other areas in the country for mining activities and noted that mining in Zambia was only concentrated on the Copperbelt and North- western provinces.
Mr Chanda said Government would also engage Chinese experts to authenticate the presence of tourmaline in Nakonde District of Muchinga Province.
He said his ministry had received reports of small scale miners mining the precious stone in the area and that once the presence of tourmaline is approved, Government would formalise mining of the mineral in the district.
