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Minister of Mines and Minerals Development, Paul Kabuswe, has reaffirmed Zambian government’s commitment to responsible and innovative mining, emphasizing that mining operations should occur at the site, not in courtrooms.
This decisive shift, he noted, was aimed at unlocking Zambia’s full resource potential.
Speaking at the Law Association of Zambia (LAZ) Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Livingstone on Wednesday, Kabuswe highlighted government’s ambitious goal of producing three million tonnes of copper annually, with a focus on value addition, mineral beneficiation, and local processing to maximize economic benefits and job creation.
In his address, Stanbic Bank Zambia Chief Executive Officer, Mwindwa Siakalima, underlined the need for Zambia’s legal and regulatory frameworks to evolve in order to unlock the full potential of the mining sector sustainably.
He pointed out that the mining sector offered numerous opportunities, including in exploration, value addition, sustainable mining technologies, rehabilitation services, and environmental impact management.
Siakalima noted that sustainable growth in Zambia’s mining sector was heavily dependent on the performance of the energy sector, as mining is highly energy-intensive.
“Mining relies on electricity for most of its operations, and to respond effectively, we must embrace innovation in both legal and energy frameworks to ensure long-term sustainability,” he stated.
Siakalima emphasized that legal innovation involves reimagining frameworks to embrace technology, sustainability, inclusion, accountability, and economic growth.
“Modernizing legal and regulatory frameworks is essential to driving legal innovation as a catalyst for sustainable mining. Our laws must be responsive to modern realities,” he said.
Siakalima also acknowledged recent government reforms, such as the implementation of open access regulations (SI No. 40 of 2024), which allow qualified participants to access and use the electricity transmission and distribution system.
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This framework empowers independent power producers to sell electricity directly to consumers and encourages private investment in the energy sector.
He further noted that legal reforms in the mining sector, aimed at improving transparency, revenue collection, and investor confidence, include the establishment of a Special Purpose Vehicle, Local Content Regulations, and Critical Minerals Regulations.
Siakalima stressed that innovative contractual structures were also essential in aligning risk and reward.
Lawyers, he said, now played a crucial role in structuring financing agreements, advising on policy, and facilitating investment—going beyond risk mitigation to value creation.
The conference, held at Avan Hotel, provided a platform for lawmakers, industry stakeholders, and citizens to engage in discussions on policies that could position Zambia as a global leader in mining innovation and responsible resource management.
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