A representative of Chief Mpepo of Kanchibiya District has urged people in the chiefdom to exercise patience as Chavuma Mineral Resources Limited (CMRL) carries out its mineral exploration activities in the area.
The call comes as residents and cooperatives are expressing interest in joining the exploration works.
Kennedy Makasa said in an interview with the media that people want to join the exploration works after the scoping meeting held at Kanchibiya Civic Centre for the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment of mineral exploration activities under Large Scale Exploration License No. 35233-HQ-LEL.
Mr Makasa said the chiefdom has long believed that its land holds untapped wealth but cautioned that the process must be allowed to unfold properly.
“We understand the excitement. Our people and our cooperatives are eager to be part of this, but we must allow CMRL to carry out its exploration work first. This is a process that takes time, and we must be patient as it unfolds,” Mr Makasa said.
He said the chiefdom’s expectations go beyond employment numbers, stressing that the community wants to see lasting infrastructure, local procurement opportunities, and meaningful corporate social responsibility commitments embedded in the project from the earliest stages.
“We are not just spectators in this process. Chief Mpepo’s people have lived on this land for generations. We expect to be partners in whatever wealth this land produces, but everything has its time,” he stated.
Meanwhile, Kanchibiya District Co-operative Union Chairperson Robert Mushili said cooperatives in the district are eager to engage CMRL on supply opportunities, labor provision, and community-based services once the exploration project gets underway.
Mr Mushili disclosed that cooperative leaders who attended a 2025 cooperative development workshop in Mpika are now better positioned to engage with investors on enterprise management, contract negotiation, and value chain participation.
“We came back from Mpika with knowledge and with confidence. There will be needs for catering, transport, logistics, and material supply. Our members want to be at that table when the time comes,” Mr Mushili said.
The scoping meeting was conducted by mining and environmental consultant Douglas Ngandu, who explained that CMRL holds the license granted by the Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development on September 25, 2024, for a period of four years.
Mr Ngandu disclosed that the company intends to invest two million United States dollars in the exploration activities, which will employ up to 50 people across various stages over a two-year period.
Meanwhile, Kanchibiya Town Council Secretary Joseph Zulu welcomed the investment but emphasized that community benefit must be central to the project’s design.
“We welcome investment, but we also want to ensure that our communities benefit directly from the resources in their area,” Mr Zulu stated.
And Kanchibiya District Acting District Administrative Officer Tom Mungala said a successful mineral discovery would be transformative for the district.
“If minerals of economic value are discovered, this will transform Kanchibiya District and improve the livelihoods of our people,” Mr Mungala said.
