compel mining firms to revamp refineries - expert

GOVERNMENT should take a firm stand and compel mining companies to revamp their refineries to enhance value addition on minerals, mining expert Edward Simukonda has advised.

Mr Simukonda said Government was losing more revenue through exports of raw materials as there was no value addition on the minerals being produced in the country.

He told the Daily Nation in an interview yesterday it was disheartening that the nation was deprived of the much-needed revenue because the raw materials were being processed elsewhere.

There was, need for government to take aggressive steps to compel mining firm to revamp the refineries for the betterment of the country. Mr Simukonda, a former ZCCM-IH employee, said embracing value addition would help the country to generate more revenue thereby create jobs.

“We are losing out a lot because many refineries have been shut down by the mining firms. What they have done now is that they want minerals being produced here be processed in their respective countries.

“When these investors process the raw materials outside it means they are denying us an opportunity to earn the much-needed revenue.

“I think government must take an aggressive approach to ensure that the mine refineries start operating,” Mr Simukonda said.

Mr Simukonda cited the Ndola Copper refinery, Zambia Emerald Limited refinery, Nchanga refinery, among others, which had remained idle for a long period of time.