Government has reaffirmed its commitment to attaining the national target of producing three million metric tons of copper by 2031.
Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development Permanent Secretary, Hapenga Kabeta, says the target is achievable due to progressive reforms in the mining sector.
He said the revival of key mines, growing investor confidence and ongoing expansion projects by mining firms will also assist to reach the target.
The media reports that Dr Kabeta noted that increased Copper output will not only help Zambia respond to rising global demand but will also significantly contribute to the country’s economic growth.
He said this when United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) Project Administrator, Kincso Vizi called on him at his office.
“We are determined to achieve the three million metric tons of copper production target by 2031,” Dr Kabeta said.
He further emphasised the importance of value addition, stating that Zambia must move away from exporting raw minerals if it is to fully benefit from its natural resources.
“The practice of exporting minerals in their raw form is no longer sustainable. We want value addition to take place locally,” he said.
Earlier, Ms Vizi assured the Permanent Secretary of UNIDO’s readiness to support the Government by helping to identify policy and regulatory gaps aimed at monitoring and reducing mercury emissions from copper smelting, as well as promoting investment in best available technologies.
She pledged UNIDO’s continued support to ensure the successful attainment of the three million metric tonnes copper production goal.
The meeting was also attended by the Zambia Environmental Management Agency (ZEMA) Director for Research and Knowledge Management.
Great! That is about 40 billion USD at today’s copper prices (not 2031), so it makes 2000 USD per individual person in Zambia. without even working. How much of it will we “get” however remains to be seen
It will paid in yung