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Zambia has called for joint research initiatives and innovation partnerships in the mining industry in order to drive technological advancements in mineral processing.
Minister of Mines and Minerals Development, Paul Kabuswe, stated that this would lead to the development of new, sustainable processes and applications for critical minerals and enhancing their value.
Speaking at the just ended Mining Indaba in Cape Town South Africa, Kabuswe also said the green energy transition had the potential to revolutionise Africa’s development by increasing investment and accelerating industrialisation on the continent.
He added that with the commencement of economic lithium mining in Zambia, the country could leverage this enormous opportunity to develop a clean energy industry.
“This will be done by establishing mineral processing and manufacturing plants downstream of its mining operations,” the Minister stated.
Kabuswe reiterated government’s commitment to expanding its export base by promoting domestic value chains to ensure that citizens benefit from the green energy transition.
He noted that Africa’s dominance in global reserves for transition minerals and the demand for clean energy technologies to achieving global ‘net zero’ emissions, positioning the continent at the forefront of the green energy future.
“There is need to maximise the potential of these resources and advance beyond mere extraction by promoting value addition though processing within the continent,” the Minister stated.
Kabuswe emphasised that this approach aimed to generate employment, enhance economic diversification and bolster sustainable development.
He also called for international collaboration in the development of downstream industries within Africa to achieve such transformation.
The Minister highlighted the potential of partnering with companies specialising in manufacturing components or end-products using critical minerals to establish a value chain that added significant value to raw materials and stimulates economic growth.
“Infrastructure development is crucial for creating an enabling environment for downstream industries,” Kabuswe said.
Zambia’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Mazuba Monze, reiterated that Zambia was open for business.
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She highlighted the plethora of business opportunities available, showcasing Zambia’s proven track record as a destination of choice for Foreign Direct Investment, owing to its stable business environment.
Monze implored investors at the Mining Indaba to seize the investment opportunities in Zambia and broaden their business footprints, encompassing not only in the mining sector, but also other key sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing and tourism.
“Zambia’s strategic location provides a gateway to a readily-available market from its eight neighbours with which it trades seamlessly owing to sound bilateral relationships Zambia has forged with the surrounding countries,” she said.
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