By 
Musamu Resources LTD Founder and Executive Chairman, Dr. Sixtus Mulenga, has urged Zambians to be bold, innovative, and strategic in transforming the mining sector from mere mineral extraction into a foundation for industrialisation, technological advancement, and long-term national prosperity.
Speaking at the Zambia Mining and Investment Insaka (ZAMII 2025) held at the Mulungushi International Conference Centre in Lusaka on Monday, Mulenga said Zambia must position itself as a key player in the global energy transition by leveraging its vast mineral wealth.
“We must be bold. We have to believe in ourselves, think differently and get things done,” he said when making a presentation on Critical Minerals: How can we advance critical mineral.
Mulenga emphasised the need for intentional action to translate Zambia’s mineral endowment into industrial power.
“In order to succeed in this world, we have to be intentional about what we want to achieve. What we want is for Zambia to be the first country in decades to convert its rich resource base into real industrial power,” he stated.
Mulenga said the global shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy presents an opportunity for Zambia to redefine its place in the mining landscape.
“The global move from fossil energy to renewables has changed everything. If we want to survive in this new world, we must adapt and think about mining in terms of beneficiation, innovation, and sustainability — not just extraction,” Mulenga said.
Citing Japan as a model for resource efficiency and innovation, he urged Zambia to emulate its disciplined approach to planning and investment.
“Japan doesn’t have many natural resources, but they use their brains. They plan and invest in their people. That’s what we must do here in Zambia,” he said.
Mulenga commended the government for promoting investment and policy stability in the mining sector but stressed the need for stronger implementation.
“I applaud the government for establishing stable investment policies and incentives,” he said, adding “But it is not enough to talk. We must act, implement our plans, and train our young people to become specialists in mining, processing, and value addition.”
Mulenga noted that government’s target to produce three million tonnes of copper annually by 2031, along with the enactment of the MRC Act in late 2024, would enhance effective regulation of the sector starting August 2025.
Mulenga also highlighted the Zambia–Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) cooperation on critical mineral processing facilities as a step toward regional industrial integration.
He added that Zambia’s incentives for diversified energy sources — including thermal, solar, wind, geothermal, oil, and gas — were essential for building a resilient economy.
Mulenga also proposed a joint venture model for capital investment between Zambian entrepreneurs and global investors and called for the development of a master plan for mining sector development, with clear targets similar to those set for copper production.
He further recommended the appointment of an Advisory Council to guide sector strategies.
“We must not just export our raw minerals and watch others get rich,” he said. “We must be players, not observers, in the global mining business. Criticising from the sidelines won’t help — we all need to get up, work, and contribute to building this future.”
Mulenga urged citizens to transform Zambia’s peace into tangible economic progress.
“Zambia is a peaceful country, but peace alone does not bring wealth,” he said, adding “We must transform our peace into prosperity. That is the challenge of our time.”
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