Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the private partners on cooperation to promote technological and scientific innovation for sustainable mining practices in Zambia.
Ministry of Technology and Science Permanent Secretary Brilliant Habeenzu signed on behalf of the government, while FQM Chief Executive Officer Anthony Mukutuma signed for the private partners.
This mutual agreement is being facilitated by the MineTech Hub, a collaborative effort between the government, through the Ministry of Technology and Science and the NISIR.
Minister of Technology and Science Felix Mutati who witnessed the signing ceremony at the Timbuktoo mine Tech open day organised by the National Institute for Scientific and Industrial Research (NISIR), called for stronger collaboration in the mining sector.
The Minister also toured and inspected NISIR laboratory and computer centre to familiarise himself with the operations where he learnt that the Research (NISIR) has branches where it is excelling in nine other countries in Africa.
Mr Mutati said there is a need for innovations and technology to respond to the growing demands surrounding mining.
He said Zambia will soon become a centre of technological hub in mining in Africa owing to massive investment in technology and science.
He observed that innovation is booming especially from individuals and corporate companies who are developing more innovations in the sector.
The MineTech Hub in Zambia is a collaborative effort between the government, through the Ministry of Technology and Science, and is being implemented by NISIR.
The Minister also commended the United Nations Development Programme for mobilising resources, to realise that there is potential in technology through ambitious innovations.
Speaking, United Nations Development Programme Resident Representative James Wakiaga said the MineTech Hub provides a platform to address critical challenges in mining, drive technological and entrepreneurial advancements, and foster sustainable industrial transformation across the continent.
Mr Wakiaga disclosed that the UN supported 10 individuals in viable innovations.
Mr Wakiage expressed gratitude that innovations in technology have created employment opportunities for thousands of people in Zambia.
He pledged the UN’s support to assisting Zambia meet her needs where there are ‘grey areas’ possible to unlock the nation.
The Mine Tech hub helps promote innovation and research commercialisation by highlighting the bub’s role in supporting innovators, researchers and entrepreneurs to bring market-ready solutions to life.
It also showcases applications that can utilize state-of-the-art facilities to translate ideas into practical solutions alongside attracting strategic partnerships and investment by presenting tangible opportunities for collaboration and innovation programming co-creation.
