Ministry of Mines Permanent Secretary, Hapenga Kabeta says the mining sector is central to the successful implementation of the Government’s Grow Zambia Agenda and the country’s economic transformation. Speaking during the opening of the Mining Sector Technical Working Group…

Ministry of Mines Permanent Secretary, Hapenga Kabeta says the mining sector is central to the successful implementation of the Government’s Grow Zambia Agenda and the country’s economic transformation.

Speaking during the opening of the Mining Sector Technical Working Group meeting convened under the Public-Private Dialogue Forum (PPDF) in Lusaka, Dr Kabeta said the mining industry had a critical role to play in achieving the country’s target of producing three million metric tons of Copper.

Dr Kabeta said a thriving mining sector will stimulate growth in other key sectors of the economy, particularly agriculture and energy.

He explained that the agricultural sector stood to benefit from a strong mining industry, while the mining sector itself required reliable and adequate energy supply to sustain its operations.

 Dr Kabeta said the mining industry remained a key driver of economic growth and needed coordinated efforts from Government, the private sector and other stakeholders.

He said the Technical Working Group provides an important platform for stakeholders to discuss challenges affecting the mining industry and identify practical solutions.

Dr Kabeta urged participants to approach discussions with open minds, stressing that the engagement should focus on achieving mutually beneficial outcomes.

“In this particular platform, we are not in a space of a winner and a loser. We believe that we want all of us to adopt a win-win mentality,” he said.

He said the discussions are important in determining how the mining sector would contribute effectively to the implementation of the Grow Zambia Agenda.

Dr Kabeta further noted that the mining industry occupied a central position in the Government’s economic transformation agenda.

“At the center of the eight-point plan, the mining industry sits right at the center,” he said.

Meanwhile, Zambia Chamber of Mines President, Anthony Malenga says the mining industry remains committed to supporting the Government’s Grow Zambia Agenda to accelerate economic growth.

Mr Malenga said the Chamber and the mining industry would continue working with the Government to strengthen the sector’s contribution to the national economy.

He congratulated President Hakainde Hichilema on his renewed mandate and pledged the mining industry’s support towards the country’s economic development agenda.

Mr Malenga also congratulated Ms Brenda Tambatamba on her appointment as Minister of Mines, expressing optimism about working closely with her and the Ministry to promote the growth of the mining industry.

He said continued engagement between Government and the private sector is important in addressing issues affecting the mining sector and unlocking its economic potential.

Mr Malenga described Government and the mining industry as partners, emphasising the need for constructive discussions and cooperation among stakeholders.

“We are partners, like we have always said, and just to look forward to a very constructive interaction from the members,” he said.

He called for constructive participation from all stakeholders to ensure that the discussions produced outcomes that supported the growth and development of the mining sector.