Minister of Mines and Mineral Development, Christopher Yaluma, says stakeholders in mining need to be innovative in the way they run their businesses to increase productivity and reduce production cost.
Mr Yaluma says the current crisis in the energy sector has brought about opportunities to diversify adding that mining, being the largest consumer of power, should support initiatives to diversify power sources.
He was speaking this afternoon in Kitwe at the luncheon hosted in his honour which was sponsored by Mopani Copper Mines (MCM).
He urged the exhibitors to adopt innovations which will spur growth of other sectors so that employment opportunities lost in the mining industry can be created in other sectors.
‘’The role of government is to create a favourable environment to encourage innovation which will contribute to efficiency and diversification in the mining sector,’’ Mr Yaluma said.
He assured exhibitors that government will encourage innovation in the mining sector not only to increase productivity in copper industry but also in explorations of other minerals that will drive development.
He said the theme for this years’ show, “Innovation and Diversity the answer to the Energy and Copper challenges’’ is appropriate for both sectors if sustainable businesses and economic development is to be achieved.
Meanwhile, Mopani Copper Mines Chief Financial Officer, John Chiwele, said MCM is committed to playing a major role in sustainable development of the economy through the innovation and diversity in line with the theme.
He said Mopani Copper Mines has invested a total of US$3.04 billion in its operations since inception in 2000.
Mr Chiwele also disclosed that the mining giant has embarked on an expansion programme valued at US$1.1 billion that will extend the life span of Mufulira and Nkana by a further 25 to 30 year that will improve productivity while safeguarding existing jobs and protecting businesses that depend on mining.
‘’The commissioning of Mufulira and Nkana deep shafts by President Lungu is clear evidence of Mopani’s commitment in the sustainable development of the strong Zambia economy,’’ he said.
“Mopani Copper Mines Chief Financial Officer, John Chiwele, said MCM is committed to playing a major role in sustainable development of the economy through the innovation and diversity in line with the theme” What does this statement mean? Why do they come up with themes that don’t make sense, which they don`t even understand themselves?
These guys slpeak as if they are in opposition. Instead say “government has put in place measure such as A B C D…..to diversify the economy. For example we have produced ABCD in this new economy bringing in $ABCD million in the economy. We hope to expand this through ABCD. As govt we have invester ABCD who has invested $ABCD million.”
This coming from this empty tin Yaluma who has been in cabinet since 2011 and still singing the same song whilst getting fatter…really laughable!!
Just like the way he is seated,does he look like he is really talking about diversifying in the mining sector or sheeting in his pants?
In what capacity is he speaking in because cabinet was dissolved when parliament was dissolved. There is a good reason that parliament and political cabinet was dissolved in the past so as to not interfere with the campaign period. Professional Permanent secretaries and the cabinet appointed from professional people who are not politicians could still carry out Government work without political interference.But they rejected the clause for appointing professional cabinet outside of politics, against the will of Zambians even though they claim they were representing Zambians during the constitution deliberations, this defies all logic.