Govt wants Mining companies to base operation in Zambia

Government has called on mining companies to encourage their foreign suppliers to establish a base in Zambia to reduce the cost of production in the mining industry.
Mines, Energy and Water Development Minister Christopher Yaluma said mining companies should encourage other foreign companies providing them with various services to establish a physical presence in Zambia.
Speaking when he opened Murray and Roberts Group offices in Kitwe, Mr Yaluma said the Government wanted to enhance reduced costs that would contribute to economic development.
Murray and Roberts is a firm that has decided to establish a base in Zambia because it makes business sense as opposed to operating as a foreign firm.
“For my Government, the move by Murray and Roberts makes economic sense because of the anticipated benefits such as technology transfer, reduction in costs and employment creation,” Mr Yaluma said.
He said the Government was committed to ensuring the development of the country through increased job creation and transfer of technology which would encourage the development of industries.
Earlier, Murray and Roberts Group chief executive Henry Lass said as South Africa’s leading engineering and construction group, the company took pride in the projects delivered to its clients.
“Our purpose is the delivery of infrastructure to enable economic and social development in a sustainable way,” Mr Lass said.
He said he believed his firm had a lot to offer to Zambia in areas of infrastructure, mining and energy, and was looking forward to a long-term mutual relationship with the Zambian people.
“We have decided on Zambia as our base for central Africa because it is a safe and friendly country but also one of the fastest economically reforming countries,” Mr Lass said.