ZCCM-IH Corporate Newsletter | The Giant Awakens – Issue One

Dr. Pius Kasolo

Message from the CEO

It is with great pleasure that I present you with this very first edition of ZCCM Investments Holdings Plc (ZCCM-IH) corporate newsletter. The purpose of this newsletter is to provide you with updates on recent developments, advancements and various other activities happening within the Company.

ZCCM-IH TRANSFORMED from being a mining conglomerate that operated all mines in Zambia prior to privatization in 2000, into an investment holding company with diversified interests in commodities such as copper, cobalt, gold, coal, gemstones, energy and limestone, among others. We have a vision to contribute towards the economic growth of the country through industrialization and diversification.

Because of the cyclical nature of the mining industry, ZCCM-IH is actively pursuing investment opportunities beyond mining, in order to diversify into other sectors.

I am confident that ZCCM-IH is on the right track towards creating and maximizing shareholder value through our diversification efforts. These efforts lay the foundation by which we as a Company can build wealth and create opportunities for the benefit of our shareholders and the country at large.

We have taken specific steps to achieve this, the latest being the inauguration of the Maamba Collieries Thermal Power Plant (TPP) Unit 1 (150MW) of 300 megawatts (MW), which was synchronized to the national grid in July 2016. Together with our partners, we have invested close to USD $850 million in this project, that will go a long way in reducing the Country’s power deficit of over 1, 000 MW. The remaining unit – 150MW of the TPP, will also be put on line by end of this year.

I must hasten to say that these are challenging times for ZCCM-IH, as Copper mining represents more than 90% of our investment assets. As you may be aware, the past few years have been very difficult for the extractive industry, particularly the mining sector. We have witnessed low copper prices in the sector, slumping by about 30% at the beginning of 2015, dropping to six-and-a-half year low. This, coupled with the power deficit depressed the industry further.

Because of the cyclical nature of the mining industry, ZCCM-IH is actively pursuing investment opportunities beyond mining, in order to diversify into other sectors such as energy, agriculture and real estate, so that the Company can create and maximize shareholder value. For us, a multi-sector approach is an important part of our resilience, and we believe this approach presents ZCCM-IH as an investment gateway not only into Zambia’s mining sector, but into other sectors as well…

Zambia scraps planned import duty on copper concentrates

LUSAKA Dec 21 (Reuters) – Zambia will scrap a plan to impose a 7.5 percent import duty on copper concentrates from Jan. 1, Finance Minister Felix Mutati said on Wednesday.

“We have taken the decision that the 7.5 percent be deleted,” Mutati told parliament.

Industry has complained that the planned tax would have put a kink in the global copper supply chain by forcing neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo to send surplus mine output elsewhere. (Reporting by Chris Mfula; Editing by Ed Stoddard and Joe Brock)…


Source: Reuters Africa

RE-ADVERTISED | Request for Expressions of Interest: Invitation for Pre-Qualification for Provision of Property Maintenance Services for ZCCM-IH Buildings

REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST
INVITATION FOR PRE-QUALIFICATION FOR PROVISION OF PROPERTY MAINTENANCE SERVICES FOR ZCCM-IH BUILDINGS

1.0 BACKGROUND

ZCCM Investments Holdings Plc. (ZCCM-IH) is an investments holding company with significant investments in Zambia’s mining industry. The Government of the Republic of Zambia (GRZ) holds 87.53% of the shares in ZCCM-IH (the Company), with the remaining 12.47% being held by private investors. The geographical spread of the minority shareholders covers 29 countries in Europe, Africa, the Caribbean, Australia, Asia and the USA.

The company has a primary listing on the Lusaka Stock Exchange, and secondary listings on the New York Stock Exchange, Paris Euronext (Euronext) and London Stock Exchanges under ISIN number ZM0000000037.

ZCCM-IH owns property in Ndola (Mining Industry Archives), Kitwe (Investments House), Kalulushi (Technical Directorate and Technical Library), Trinity Park (Lusaka), 30B Kudu Road, Kabulonga (Lusaka) and Kabwe (Office block and 2 laboratories). These properties are occupied by both ZCCM-IH and commercial clients under lease arrangements.

Given the increase in volume and scope in ensuring efficient service delivery and maintenance of the said properties, ZCCM-IH requires the services of a property manager on a full time basis. The properties will need structural maintenance in order to keep them in good working order. To achieve this, identifying and resolving of minor repair works that may disturb the work environment will help in prevention of major disasters and may reduce maintenance costs by 30% or more.

The Company therefore intends to engage a Property Maintenance Services Firm to provide a one stop shop for the Client’s maintenance needs.

2.0 SCOPE OF WORK

The Property Maintenance Services Firm’s scope of works shall include:

  • Scheduling quarterly inspection of the various ZCCM-IH properties;
  • Perform inspection and provide a written Inspection Report with recommendations;
  • Provide quotes for necessary work to be carried out;
  • Perform requested maintenance/repairs in liaison with the Property Manager as and when necessary.

The inspections shall include:

5.1 Building Interior

  • Floors, walls and ceilings;
  • Windows and doors.

5.2 Electrical – Mechanical – Plumbing

  • Electrical, mechanical and plumbing.

5.3 Building Exterior

  • Foundation
  • Walk ways and paved yard
  • Exterior Walls and Doors
  • Porch and Decks
  • Stairs and Steps
  • Gutters and Downspouts
  • Roofing services and repairing chimneys.

The contract is expected to initially be for a period of 12 months with a possibility for renewal.

ZCCM-IH now invites Eligible Property Maintenance Services Firms to indicate their interest in providing the above services. Interested firms must provide information to demonstrate that they are qualified to perform the services (brochures, description of similar assignments, experience in similar conditions etc.).

A firm will be pre-qualified if they meet the following criteria:

  1. Demonstrated experience in maintaining and managing properties of a high standard and for renowned institutions for at least not less than five years consecutively;
  2. Demonstrated understanding of property Maintenance Services;
  3. Possesses valid NAPSA Compliance Certificate;
  4. Possesses valid Workers’ Compensation Fund Control Board Compliance Certificate;
  5. Possesses Company Certificate of Incorporation;
  6. Possesses valid Tax Clearance Certificate; and
  7. Possesses a valid Practising Licence from the relevant Regulatory Authority.

Interested Property Maintenance Services Firms must submit one (01) original and four (04) hard copies of their Pre-qualification documents to the address below not later than 10:00 hours on Wednesday, 4th January 2017.

Procurement Officer
ZCCM Investments Holdings Plc
Mukuba Pension House
5309 Dedan Kimathi Road
P.O. Box 30048
Lusaka
Email: temboc@zccm-ih.com.zm

Those bidders who have already submitted an Expression of Interest in response to the earlier advertisement need not resubmit.

Invitation for Bids: Provision of Security Services to ZCCM Investments Holdings

Invitation for Bids (IFB)
Provision of Security Services to ZCCM Investments Holdings (ZCCM-IH)
ONB No.: ZCCM-IH/072/2016
  1. ZCCM Investments Holdings Plc. has received financing from own sources for the 2017/2018 Financial Year, and intends to apply part of the funds to cover eligible payments under the Contract for the Provision of Security Services to ZCCM-IH, Contract No.: ZCCM-IH/072/2016.
  2. ZCCM-IH now invites sealed bids from eligible bidders for the Provision of Security Services to ZCCM-IH at the following ZCCM-IH facilities:
    Trinity Park Office Complex, Mass Media Area, Alick Nkhata Road, Lusaka and 30B Kudu Road, Kabulonga, Lusaka;

    The contract duration will be 12 months renewable subject to satisfactory performance during the initial 12 months.

  3. Bidding will be conducted through the Open National Bidding (ONB) procedures specified in the Public Procurement Act of 2008 and the Public Procurement Regulations of 2011 and is restricted to firms registered in Zambia. The following CEEC preferential treatment shall be applied as part of the evaluation:

    3.1 Citizen-influenced company – 4%
    3.2 Citizen-empowered company – 8%
    3.3 Citizen-owned company – 12%

  4. Interested eligible bidders may obtain further information from the address below and inspect the Bidding Documents at this address from 08:00 – 13:00 and 14:00 – 17:00 local time, Monday to Friday inclusive.
  5. Qualifications requirements include:
    1. Experience as the main service provider in at least two (02) contracts of a similar nature and scope in the last five (05) years;
    2. A minimum amount of liquid assets and/or credit facilities of ZMW65,000.00;
    3. Average Annual Turnover in any of the last ten (10) years of ZMW800,000.00.
  6. A complete set of Bidding Documents in English may be purchased by interested bidders ON THE SUBMISSION OF A WRITTEN APPLICATION to the address below and upon payment of a non refundable fee of Zambian Kwacha Five Hundred (ZMW500.00). The method of payment will be Cash or Bank Certified Cheque.
  7. Bids shall be valid for a period of 45 days after Bid closing and shall be delivered to the address below at or before 10:00 hours on Tuesday, 24th January 2017. Electronic bidding shall not be permitted. Late bids will be rejected. Bids will be opened physically in the presence of bidders’ representatives who choose to attend in person at the address below immediately after 10:00 hours on 24th January 2017. All bids must be accompany a Bid Securing Declaration.
  8. There will be an official site visit on Thursday, 5th January 2017. All Bidders to meet at Trinity Park Office Complex, Mass Media Area, Alick Nkhata Road, Lusaka at 10:00 hours;
  9. The address referred to above is:

    ZCCM Investments Holdings Plc.
    3rd Floor, Mukuba Pension House
    5309 Dedan Kimathi Road
    Lusaka, Zambia
    Tel: +260-211-228833
    E-mail: temboc@zccm-ih.com.zm

Press Statements by ZCCM-IH and KCM during a Joint press briefing over the Default Judgment against the latter

ZCCM-IH Offices, Lusaka – Konkola Copper Mines (KCM) is one of Zambia’s largest copper producers and one of the largest private sector employers in the country, with operations in four locations, namely Chingola, Chililabombwe, Kitwe and Nampundwe.

The majority shareholder of KCM is London-listed Vedanta Resources, which holds a 79.4% stake, while ZCCM-IH has a 20.6% shareholding in KCM.

KCM and ZCCM-IH have been engaged in discussions with regards to the price participation settlement agreement, which was entered into by both parties in December 2012.

On Friday 16th December, the High Court in London requested KCM to settle this amount with ZCCM-IH and resolve this matter within 28 days.

I am standing here today as part of a joint press briefing with the CEO of ZCCM-IH, Dr Pius Kasolo, to assure all of our stakeholders that we are working together to resolve this matter amicably and to reassure everyone that there is no risk to the KCM business.

We remain fully committed to fulfilling our financial obligations.

Vedanta remains committed to the Group’s operations in Zambia, which is reflected by the significant investment of over $3 billion in KCM since 2004.

Vedanta and KCM have a 50 year vision to continue mining copper in Zambia and we look forward to further strengthening our relations with all stakeholders, including ZCCM-IH.

Mr Steven Din
Chief Executive Officer

Press Statements by ZCCM-IH and KCM during a Joint press briefing over the Default Judgment against the latter

ZCCM-IH Office, Lusaka – As you may be aware, ZCCM Investments Holdings Plc (ZCCM-IH) obtained a Judgment against Konkola Copper Mines Plc (KCM) in the sum of about $ 103 Million to be paid within 30 days, as a result of unpaid sums due to ZCCM-IH dating back to 2012.

I must mention and emphasize that ZCCM-IH is not in the business of litigating, but in the business of enhancing value for its shareholders.

In the quest to achieve this, there are instances where misunderstandings between parties have to be resolved by an independent body, which in this instance was the courts of law.

This should not be taken as a deliberate attack on our partners or indeed a quest to injure them. The action was undertaken because we are also answerable to our shareholders and various stakeholders which include the Zambian people.

ZCCM-IH remains committed to ensuring that the KCM operations continue in the country, and to provide the necessary support to them, to ensure that we enhance the value of our stake in the Company.

Following the judgment and this joint briefing, we wish to state that the business relationship between ZCCM-IH and KCM will continue, but also to remind our partners that we will do what is necessary to protect our interests.

Going forward, both ZCCM-IH and KCM have committed to manage the business, in a manner that is mutually beneficial to all the parties involved.

Dr. Pius C. Kasolo
Chief Executive Officer

Bulk power users should pay cost reflective electricity tariffs to sustain ZESCO-Yaluma

Government says there is need for bulk power users to pay cost reflective electricity tariffs to ensure Zesco remains afloat and economically viable.

Minister of Mines Christopher Yaluma says government has engaged mining companies on the Copperbelt over the proposed revised electricity tariffs to be implemented by Zesco for bulk users.

Mr. Yaluma says government wants to create favorable attractive economic tariffs without injuring the mining companies or disadvantaging Zesco.

He was speaking in an interview with Journalists after holding a closed door meeting with the chamber of mines and mining companies in Kitwe over the proposed tariff increase.

The meeting was attended by Minister of Finance Felix Mutati and his Energy counterpart David Mabumba along with representatives from Zesco and the Energy Regulation Board -ERB.

And Mr Mabumba described the meeting as cordial and progressive adding that a position will be made before the end of the year.

Meanwhile, Chamber of Mines President Nathan Chishimba has commended government for consulting mining companies over the proposed revised tariffs.

Earlier Copperbelt Energy Corporation -CEC- Chief Executive Officer Owen Silvwe called for a favorable adjustment which will create a win- win situation for both government and mining companies.


Source: Lusakatimes.com

ZCCM-IH | Announcement default judgement against KCM

We refer to the Market Update where the market was advised that ZCCM-IH had filed a Claim Form with the English High Court to recover outstanding sums in excess of US$100 million due to it from Konkola Copper Mines Plc (KCM) pursuant to the terms of the Settlement Agreement entered into in 2013.

We now advise that ZCCM-IH has been successful in its application for default judgment. KCM has been ordered (on 16 December 2016) to pay all sums owed to ZCCM-IH pursuant to the Settlement Agreement (plus associated contractual interest) within thirty (30) days. The total amount to be paid by KCM amounts to approximately US$103 million. KCM has also been ordered to reimburse ZCCM-IH 80% of the costs it has incurred in pursuing its claim.

Further directions have been given to determine whether KCM made payments to Vedanta Group Companies in breach of the prohibition on doing so under the Settlement Agreement. If and to the extent it is determined that such payments were made, ZCCM-IH will be entitled to recover additional sums from KCM.

By Order of the Board
C Chabala
Company Secretary


Issued in Lusaka, Zambia on 20 December 2016

Lusaka Securities Exchange Sponsoring Broker
T | +260-211-232456
E | advisory@sbz.com.zm
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Stockbrokers Zambia Limited (SBZ) is a founder member of the Lusaka Securities Exchange and is regulated by the Securities and Exchange Commission of Zambia

First Issued on 19 December 2016

Vedanta Unit Told to Pay Zambian State Company $103 Million

Vedanta Resources Plc’s Zambian unit must pay the southern African country’s majority state-owned mining investment company about $103 million after a London ruling related to a copper-price agreement.

ZCCM Investments Holdings obtained a default judgment in the U.K.’s High Court of Justice against Konkola Copper Mines on Dec. 16, it said in an e-mailed statement Monday. KCM said in an e-mailed statement on Tuesday that it’s consulting with ZCCM-IH and “other relevant stakeholders to resolve all outstanding issues within 30 days, in accordance with the court’s ruling.”

KCM hadn’t paid the money owed under the copper-price participation deal because of “operational and financial challenges,” ZCCM-IH, which has a 20.6 percent shareholding in Konkola, said in its 2015 annual report. The Vedanta unit was in talks with ZCCM-IH and the government to pay the claim, which needed to be settled from available cash flows, KCM Chief Executive Officer Steven Din said Nov. 10. The company was at that point hoping to resolve the matter out of court, after ZCCM-IH filed the case in June, he told investors on a call.

“We are working together to resolve this matter amicably,” Din told reporters at a joint press briefing with ZCCM-IH in Lusaka, Zambia’s capital, on Tuesday.

The court ruled that ZCCM-IH is entitled to recover more money from KCM if it’s found that the company transferred funds to Vedanta, which would have been in breach of the pricing agreement.

ZCCM-IH is also claiming damages from First Quantum Minerals’ Kansanshi unit in Zambia, in which it has a 20 percent shareholding, in the Lusaka High Court, and has started arbitration proceedings in London over the same matter related to a loan it said Kansanshi gave First Quantum that wasn’t at arm’s length terms. First Quantum denies any wrongdoing.


Source: Bloomberg

Report says Zambia needs more friendly tax regime to attract mining investors

Zambia needs a more competitive mining tax regime to entice new and existing investors to invest billions of dollars in the mining industry and boost flagging production, says Zambia Chamber of Mines (ZCM) president Nathan Chishimba.

“Zambia Finance Minister Felix Mutati’s Budget Speech, last month, aimed to restore financial stability to the Zambian economy and lay the foundations for long-term economic growth, which depends on investment,” he emphasises.

In a press statement publicising the release of a new report by the chamber, entitled ‘Taxation and Mining Investment in Zambia’, Chishimba says, despite recent welcome changes to the Mineral Royalty Tax (MRT), Zambia’s overall effective mining tax rate remains among the highest in the world.

“How is it that we have ceded our long-held position as Africa’s leading copper producer to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). A key part of the answer has to be investment incentives and policy stability. The DRC’s tax regime is not only more investor friendly than Zambia’s, but has also been much more stable. This has encouraged long-term investment, which has boosted production,” he contends.

Further, Chishimba comments that the importance of new investment in Zambia is all the more timely, as the World Bank has projected that growth in copper production will start to slow from 2019 onwards.

He remarks that, along with a decline in production, there will be a decline in government revenue, mining industry jobs and foreign exchange. “However, production levels can increase if there is a new wave of investment,” Chishimba points out.

The ZCM’s report quotes research showing that mining investment in Zambia benefits not just the mining industry but also the wider economy, through what is known as the ‘multiplier effect’. Chishimba explains that this means mines procure supplies from local businesses, and employees spend their wages in the economy, stimulating more business creation and more employment.

Moreover, he points out that a recent World Bank study on Canadian base metals producer First Quantum Minerals’ Kansanshi mine, in the north-western province town of Solwezi found that for every direct employment opportunity created at the mine, a further five were created in the wider economy.

The report also shows how levels of mining investment and national economic growth are “inextricably linked”. From 1997, investors in the newly reprivatised Zambian mining industry collectively invested more than $12-billion in modernisation, expansion and new greenfield ventures.

Additionally, the report highlights that copper production and national economic growth recovered in 2000 and accelerated in the years thereafter. “Importantly, this growth started before the copper price began to recover in 2004, proving it was the surge in investment which turned around the economic fortunes of the country,” Chishimba notes.

The report goes on to cover the challenges of designing a mining tax regime which encourages continued investment, or at least does not discourage it. The report considers the various phases that a typical mine goes through, from exploration and development to production and closure and the incentives necessary to encourage the development of resources through the various stages.

For example, during the exploration phase, when there is no income, the tax regime should ideally allow mines to defer losses to later years and write them off against future profitability. This incentivises mines to continue beyond exploration to actual mine construction.

“When taking business decisions, mines will respond to the nature of the tax treatment in place,” the report says.

INDUSTRY RESPONSE
A range of industry observers have welcomed the release of the ZCM report. It is free to the public and is available in hard copy, booklet form from the Lusaka office of the ZCM. It can also be accessed in electronic form on the chamber’s educational website: www.miningforzambia.com.

The observers describe it as a “good initiative” which will help to raise awareness of a subject that is of critical importance to the Zambian economy.

Professional services firm KPMG tax partner Mike Phiri says the report should help lead to a better understanding of the link between taxation and mining investment, not just at government and policy level, but also among various stakeholders.

Zambia Private Sector Development Association chairperson Yusuf Dodia remarks that it is a good document which was well constructed and kept short enough for readers to embrace the key messages. He also believes that it is a good mechanism to initiate dialogue on the issue of taxation and the development of the mining sector in Zambia.

On World Bank projections cited in the booklet showing that growth in Zambia’s copper production will start to slow from 2019 onwards, Dodia says that this may be a key departure point, which should compel the government to consider mechanisms for diversification away from copper mining towards other sectors, such as tourism, agriculture, manufacturing and services.

Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative Zambia CE Siforiano Banda comments that there is not enough knowledge among industry players. “There is a need for government and industry stakeholders to always dialogue on matters of policy. If possible, the Ministry of Mines should be giving weekly appraisals to fellow Cabinet Ministers on developments in the sector, so that they are kept abreast and can assist in redirecting the future of the country,” he states.

Mineworkers Union of Zambia general secretary Joseph Chewe states that the ZCM has come up with “another great publication” on taxation and mining investment in Zambia.

“The first one, on the MRT, was simple and easy to understand. It was good of the chamber to release such informative and educative booklets, as they help to close knowledge gaps and inform the Zambian public,” he enthuses.

Chewe adds that there is a need for such information-sharing mechanisms to continue so that government and policymakers arrive at policymaking and tax regimes from a “well-informed” background.

Msoni Mtwalo, who is deputy national coordinator for Publish What You Pay, an international body that promotes transparency in the extractive sector, says that the booklet is “quite useful” as it gives an overview of the mining sector from the industry’s perspective.

However, he remarks that it will likely prove less useful to people outside the sector, as it does not break down the implication of the various mining taxes and does not state the basis on which the royalties cited are calculated.

Nonetheless, on the question of whether there was sufficient understanding of the topic at government and policy level, Mtwalo says there “definitely is not”, as he points out that, if there were, Zambia would not have had six different tax regimes over the past eight years!


Source: MININGWEEKLY.COM