Kalumbila Chamber urges law compelling mines to share benefits with host communities

The Kalumbila Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) has called on government to enact legislation that would compel mining companies to ensure local communities benefit adequately from Zambia’s mineral wealth.

KCCI Chief Executive Officer, Jacob Chikomu, said the chamber was urging government not only to strengthen mining policies but also to issue a Statutory Instrument (SI) that would clearly define how mines must contribute to host communities.

“Our wish is for government to put in place a local content SI that will make it easy to trace what the mines are doing and how it benefits locals,” Chikomu said in a statement.

“This is mainly affecting the Copperbelt and North-Western provinces where there are mines. We would prefer that an SI compels our partners—the mines—to give what is due to the locals,” he added.

Chikomu noted that as a driver of small and medium enterprises (SMEs), KCCI was lobbying for policies that ensure fair working conditions for contractors while guaranteeing that communities reap benefits from mining activities.

He revealed that the chamber had launched the KCCI-Bank House, a special purpose vehicle designed to act as a bridge between contractors and mining companies.

“This initiative helps us track what locals are benefiting from the mining supply chain and measure whether opportunities are materialising into tangible results,” he explained.

Chikomu added that recent policy shifts by government, including the relaxation of some deterrent taxes, were spurring mining investment and opening greater opportunities for SMEs.

“With more mines opening up, there will be more opportunities for local businesses to thrive,” he said.

WARNING! All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express permission from ZAMBIA MONITOR.