New wave of interest in the mining sector by Australian investors

Minister of Mines and Minerals Development Richard Musukwa says for Zambia to continue attracting foreign direct investment in sustainable mining projects, it is important to reduce the risk that comes with mining investment by making sure that the investors have access to adequate geological information.

Mr. Musukwa said it is for this reason that Government through the geological survey department has continued in carrying out geological mapping of the country in an effort to expand knowledge on mineral occurrence around the country.

He was speaking at the ongoing 5th annual International Mining and Resources Conference during the inaugural Africa Focus Day session on Promoting Opportunities for Sustainable mining practices within Africa.The IMARC which is one of the world’s largest resources conference, officially opened on Monday, 29th October to run till 1st November 2018, in Melbourne, Australia.

And Zambia’s High Commissioner to Australia Frank Bwalya, who is also attending the conference says the new wave of interest in the mining sector by Australian investors is in response to the vision of the Zambian Government to develop the country though Industrialisation.

Mr. Bwalya has observed that as the Industrialisation agenda gathers momentum, more interest in Zambia’s mining sector will be generated.

And speaking during a panel discussion on investment and development opportunities in Africa, ZCCM Investments Holdings Plc Chief Executive Officer Dr. Pius Kasolo said that Zambia remains a favourable investment destination in mining due to the enabling investment climate with a vast unexploited mineral resource.

Dr. Kasolo said that the industry is open to investors from various nationalities, and that this is representative of the existing players who are diverse and multinational in nature, contrary to the sentiments that the sector is largely occupied by Chinese investors.

This year, the conference has attracted over 6,000 attendees from over 90 nations, with over 200 expo stands showcasing the best of the minerals industry from machinery, technology, services, government pavilions, and mining companies, including ZCCM-IH.

The conference also coincides with the bi-annual meeting of the International Council on Mining and Metals, a CEO-led organization bringing together 27 of the world’s leading mining and metals companies.

Zambia is being represented by a delegation led by the Minister of Mines and Minerals Development Richard Musukwa, Frank Bwalya, Zambia’s High Commissioner to Australia and ZCCM-IH’s Board Director Mateyo Kaluba and the Chief Executive Officer, Dr Pius Kasolo.

This is according to a statement issued to the Media by Loisa Mbatha-Kakoma, Public Relations Manager ZCCM Investments Holdings Plc.


Source: Lusala Times

ZCCM-IH Vacancy | Legal Counsel – Dispute Resolution

ZCCM-IH is an investments Holdings company in which the Government of the Republic of Zambia holds the majority shares while others are held by private investors. The Company has investments in the privatized mining companies on the Copperbelt, North-Western and Southern Provinces of Zambia as well as in other sectors of the economy. The mission of the Company is “To be a transformative company with an investment agenda that benefits all our stakeholders”.

In order to achieve this mission, the Company invites applications from suitably qualified and experienced staff who are innovative, energetic and performance driven to fill the following position in the Legal Directorate:

1. Legal Counsel – Dispute Resolutions (X1) – Kitwe

JOB TITLE: Legal Counsel -Dispute Resolution

JOB GRADE: ZH4

DIRECTORATE: Legal

STATION: Kitwe


2. JOB PURPOSE

To provide legal services to the Company in Dispute Resolution.

3. KEY RESULT AREAS AND PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES

KEY RESULT AREAS KEY RESULT AREAS
Advisory
  • Reviews disputes and provides appropriate advice to the Company.
  • Provides an opinion on the merits of each dispute.
Court/Arbitration/Mediation Documents
  • Determines appropriate Court/Arbitration/Mediation documents required in order to prepare for disputes.
  • Drafts the requisite Court/Arbitration/Mediation documents
  • Ensures effective service of all Court/Arbitration/Mediation documents on the relevant parties
Witnesses
  • Identifies and procures suitable witnesses for disputes
  • Conducts pre-trial with identified witnesses
  • Facilitates the availability of witnesses for hearing.
Attendance to Disputes
  • Attends all hearings scheduled for disputes and avoids unnecessary adjournments.
  • Defends the Company in all matters against it.
  • Prosecutes matters on behalf of the Company.
  • Attends to ex-curia settlements of disputes

4. REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS

a) Reports to:

Deputy General Counsel

b) Other Jobs Reporting to (4a) above

Legal Counsel- Compliance, Conveyancing Officer

c) Number and level of immediate subordinates:

Legal Assistants (2)

5. ESSENTIAL/DESIRABLE EXPERIENCE/QUALIFICATIONS

a) Professional Qualification :

  • Grade 12 Certificate
  • Bachelor’s Degree (LLB)
  • Advocate of the High Court of Zambia (Minimum 3 years at the Bar)
  • Member of the Law Association of Zambia.
  • Proven Court room experience a must.

b) Minimum Relevant Pre-Job Experience:

  • 3 years

c) Skill Specifications:

  • Analytical skills
  • Communication skills
  • Computer Skills

d) Other Attributes (Personality Traits)

  • Integrity
  • Eloquent
  • Persuasive
  • Decisive
  • Tactful

Application Procedure

Applications together with copies of certificates and detailed curriculum vitae should reach the undersigned not later than 9th November 2018

Human Resources Manager
ZCCM Investments Holdings Plc
ZCCM IH Office Park
P O Box 30040
LUSAKA

5655 carat Emerald found at Lumwana mine

A 5,655-carat emerald described as having “remarkable clarity and a perfectly balanced golden green hue” was discovered in Zambia in early October.

The gem was unearthed at the Kagem mine, the world’s largest emerald mine, which is 75% owned by Gemfields Group, a London-based supplier of responsibly sourced colored gemstones, with the remaining stake in the mine owned by the Government of the Republic of Zambia. Gemfields specializes in the mining, processing, marketing and sale of colored gemstones, in particular emeralds and rubies.

The emerald was discovered in the eastern part of Kagem’s largest open-pit mine on October 2 by geologist Debapriya Rakshit and veteran emerald miner Richard Kapeta, Gemfields said in a statement, adding that “this area of the mine has proven to be particularly fertile in recent months with the Kagem team recovering several significant crystals there, but none with the combined size, color and clarity” of this emerald.

In a rare honor, Gemfields chose to name the gem. In this case, “Inkalamu,” which means “lion” in the Zambian Bemba language. The company says the name is in honor of the work carried out by two of Gemfields’ conservation partners, the Zambian Carnivore Program and the Niassa Carnivore Project in Mozambique. Gemfields has three-year philanthropic sponsorships with each organization in order to aid them in wildlife conservation, promote community development and stem the problem of poaching by developing alternative livelihoods. The company further said it will donate 10% of the sale proceeds of the emerald to the two organizations.

“These partners work tirelessly to smooth the relationship between Africa’s carnivores and local communities across vast, remote and challenging areas,” the company said.


Source: Forbes

Value addition key to diversification-Lungu

President Edgar Lungu says value addition is key to diversifying the economy and for creation of quality Jobs.

President Lungu says value addition to minerals is one of the strategies outlined in the seventh National Development Plan (7NDP).

President Lungu said this in Lusaka today when he graced the celebration of Jewel of Africa 25 years of its existence.

The Head of State said the increase in expansion of the industry and adding value to the minerals in the country will ensure growth in the sector.

He said the mining sector, large or small is a viable business venture in the country because it is a resource which is abundant.

President Lungu urged Zambians to show off its mineral wealth that the country is endowed with, as the sector has lagged behind.

He has since commended Jewel of Africa for its achievement and encouraged other business ventures to succeed and that more companies should emulate the firm.

Speaking earlier Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry, Christopher Yaluma said it is good that Jewel of Africa uses locally sourced materials.

Mr. Yaluma said he is impressed with the company for adding value to the rich mineral wealth that the country is blessed with.

He said this will in turn create a ripple effect in the economy and create meaningful jobs for the local population.

Mr. Yaluma also encouraged the local industries to tap into the mining sector so that it may achieve its full potential.

Meanwhile, Minister of Mines and Mineral Development Richard Musukwa said there is need to protect the industry in order to support the economy.

Mr. Musukwa stated that the mining sector requires huge and massive infrastructure development that can support the development of the industry.

He stressed that Jewel of Africa has led the way and created a path that will ensure many players are involved in adding value to the mining sector.

And Jewel of Africa Managing Director Raj Sharma said it has not been an easy journey to reach where the company is today.

Dr. Sharma explained tha he is happy with the favorable economic policies that has helped them in doing business and eventually growing the business.


Source: Lusaka Times

Lubambe mine prioritizes safety

Lubambe Copper Mine has procured the first ever self-contained mine Emergency Refuge Chambers in Zambia. The consignment of five refuge Chambers has been procured at a cost of US$ 475,000 from Mine Arc Systems of Australia.

Lubambe Mine Communications Manager Loyce Saili said the procurement of the refuge Chambers by the copper miner is a move toward enhancing Emergency Response in case of mine accidents arising from fire, explosions, flooding and release of smoke and other forms of toxic gas.

“The refuge Chambers will enable Lubambe to provide safe refuge for the miners where evacuation is not immediate in the event of an incident. The refuge Chambers will provide a safe and secure go to area for Miners to gather and wait extraction, “ she said.

Speaking yesterday during the media site visit at Lubambe Mine in Chililabombwe, she added that the refuge Chambers are with vital life support systems to create a safe, ongoing environment for occupants.

She further narrated that the system include, oxygen supplies, air conditioning system, electrical system, gas detection system and CO2 and carbon monoxide removal system as well as communication system, camera, seats of 20 in each and chemical toilet.

“Safety is our number one priority, we want our miners to be safe through ensuring preparedness for any eventuality,” Saili stated.

And General Manager Tony Davies said the chambers will be placed underground in the coming months and the workers will under go training on how to operate the equipments.

He also said the Chambers will last forever and has the capacity to accommodate above 20 people during an emergency, as what is required is the increase in oxygen supply.

Lubambe Copper Mine is a large-scale underground Mine owned by EMR capital of Australia who have 80 percent shares and ZCCM-IH who hold 20 percent.


Source: Miningnews Zambia

Lubambe mine takes leadership in mine safety – Invests USD0.5 million in Emergency Refuge Chamber

Lubambe Copper Mine has procured the first ever self-contained mine Emergency Refuge Chambers in Zambia. The consignment of five refuge Chambers has been procured at a cost of US$ 475,000 from Mine Arc Systems of Australia.

Lubambe Mine Communications Manager Loyce Saili said the procurement of the refuge Chambers by the copper miner is a move toward enhancing Emergency Response in case of mine accidents arising from fire, explosions, flooding and release of smoke and other forms of toxic gas.

“The refuge Chambers will enable Lubambe to provide safe refuge for the miners where evacuation is not immediate in the event of an incident. The refuge Chambers will provide a safe and secure go to area for Miners to gather and wait extraction, “ she said.

Speaking yesterday during the media site visit at Lubambe Mine in Chililabombwe, she added that the refuge Chambers are with vital life support systems to create a safe, ongoing environment for occupants.

She further narrated that the system include, oxygen supplies, air conditioning system, electrical system, gas detection system and CO2 and carbon monoxide removal system as well as communication system, camera, seats of 20 in each and chemical toilet.

“Safety is our number one priority, we want our miners to be safe through ensuring preparedness for any eventuality,” Saili stated.

And General Manager Tony Davies said the chambers will be placed underground in the coming months and the workers will under go training on how to operate the equipments.

He also said the Chambers will last forever and has the capacity to accommodate above 20 people during an emergency, as what is required is the increase in oxygen supply.

Lubambe Copper Mine is a large-scale underground Mine owned by EMR capital of Australia who have 80 percent shares and ZCCM-IH who hold 20 percent.


Source: Zambia Business

Zambia’s finance minister says new mining taxes will not hit operations

LUSAKA – Mining companies operating in Zambia will still meet their operational costs even after the government imposes higher taxes in Africa’s No.2 copper producer, its finance minister said on Wednesday.

Zambia plans to introduce new mining duties, replace Value Added Tax with sales tax and increase royalties to help bring down mounting debt, Finance Minister Margaret Mwanakatwe said while delivering the 2019 budget speech last month.

Speaking on Wednesday at the closure of the debate on the budget speech in parliament, Mwanakatwe said Zambia was aiming to boost revenue collection.

Mwanakatwe told parliament that even with the proposed taxes “we are confident that mining companies will be able to meet their operational costs.”

Her comment appeared to be a sign that Lusaka will not reverse the proposals to raise taxes in the sector.

“We must register an improved and steady flow of revenue from mining commensurate with the size of extraction.”

Mining firms represented by Zambia’s chamber of Mines have opposed the proposed tax, while the Association of Zambian Mineral Exploration Companies has said the higher taxes would hurt investment in finding new mines.

Foreign mining companies operating in Zambia include NFC Africa, majority owned by China Non-ferrous Metals Company Limited (CNMC), Canada’s First Quantum Minerals, Glencore, Barrick Gold and Vedanta Resources.


Source: Morning Weekly

CEC divests from Telecoms business

The Copperbelt Energy Corporation (CEC) has sold off its 50 percent shares in CEC Liquid Telecommunication Limited (CEC Liquid Telecom) to pan-African telecoms group, Liquid Telecommunication Holdings Limited (Liquid Telecom).

The disposal of shares by Copperbelt Energy Cooperation brings to an end the long standing relations that span from 2011 as equal partners in the joint-venture subsidiary.

CEC Managing director Owen Silavwe said the move is to divert from the telecoms space due to recent developments in the sector, which he said had necessitated a review strategy.

“With this acquisition, Liquid Telecom now has full ownership of CEC Liquid Telecom and its retail arm, Hai Zambia, however we would continue to be involved with the company as an infrastructure provider,” Silavwe said.

He said at the time of forming the venture, CEC’s investment rationale in CEC Liquid Telecom was to facilitate for the full commercialization of CEC’s telecoms assets, ensuring adequate ring-fencing of the telecoms operations from the power business.

Silavwe said the CEC Liquid Telecom joint-venture, formed by the two partners in 2011, had grown to become a market leader and had invested in the rollout of a fibre optic network across Zambia that, today, delivers some of the country’s and Africa’s fastest broadband speeds.

“While this transaction provides an equity exit for CEC, we will continue to be involved with the company as an infrastructure provider. We are glad to have been a part of CEC Liquid Telecom’s innovative service offering under our part ownership and remain excited about its future,” Silavwe added.


Source: Zambia Reports

Zambian power firm CEC divests from telecoms business

Copperbelt Energy Corp (CEC) has sold its 50% stake in CEC Liquid Telecom to Pan-African telecoms group Liquid Telecommunication Holdings, the power firm said on Tuesday.

CEC, Zambia’s main supplier of power for its mines, and Liquid Telecom were equal partners in the joint telecoms firm since 2011, which is a market leader and has been rolling out a fibre optic network across Zambia.

The power firm did not disclose the amount it sold its stake for or why it had decided to dispose of its investment.

However, CEC said it would continue to be involved with the telecoms firm as an infrastructure provider.


Source: Mining Weekly

Zambia’s finance minister says new mining taxes will not hit operations

LUSAKA, Oct 17 (Reuters) – Mining companies operating in Zambia will still meet their operational costs even after the government imposes higher taxes in Africa’s No.2 copper producer, its finance minister said on Wednesday.

Zambia plans to introduce new mining duties, replace Value Added Tax with sales tax and increase royalties to help bring down mounting debt, Finance minister Margaret Mwanakatwe said while delivering the 2019 budget speech last month.

Speaking on Wednesday at the closure of the debate on the budget speech in parliament, Mwanakatwe said Zambia was aiming to boost revenue collection.

Mwanakatwe told parliament that even with the proposed taxes “we are confident that mining companies will be able to meet their operational costs.”

Her comment appeared to be a sign that Lusaka will not reverse the proposals to raise taxes in the sector.

“We must register an improved and steady flow of revenue from mining commensurate with the size of extraction.”

Mining firms represented by Zambia’s chamber of Mines have opposed the proposed tax, while the Association of Zambian Mineral Exploration Companies has said the higher taxes would hurt investment in finding new mines.

Foreign mining companies operating in Zambia include NFC Africa, majority owned by China Non-ferrous Metals Company Limited (CNMC), Canada’s First Quantum Minerals, Glencore, Barrick Gold and Vedanta Resources. (Reporting by Chris Mfula Editing by James Macharia)


Source: Reuters