Emerald watchdog pleads with HH for investors in sector
PRESIDENT Hakainde Hichilema should lobby for partners who will work with Zambians to develop the emerald sector which has over 400 dormant licences.
This is an appeal made by the Emerald Production Watch of Zambia (EPWOZ) president, Mr Musa Kafimbwa, who believes that the sub-sector is yet to be fully exploited.
Mr Kafimbwa expressed confidence that the President has a passion for developing all sectors of the economy.
He said this in an interview after the launch of the mining strategy in Lusaka.
“We know President Hichilema’s presidency is driven by passion to develop various sectors of the economy, among them, the mining sector particularly the gemstone industry. As gemstone miners in Lufwanyama, we are asking the republican President.
“We have more than 400 dormant licences in Lufwanyama. We are seeking his support to help us exploit the sector by lobbying for interested partners who will be able to do geological surveys and invest in various mines,’’ he said.
Mr Kafimbwa also noted efforts by Grizzly Mining Limited to support the smallscale miners, saying the firm has for a long time shown its desire to support these players in the gemstone mining area.
He noted that a well organised and developed gemstone mining industry where local people were actively involved, has the potential to alleviate poverty, contribute to economic recovery and national development.
“We believe that if Zambians can be running the gemstone mines side by side with foreign investors then, the country can benefit in many ways. A well-organised gemstone sector will to a large extent benefit the country.
“I can tell you that with our gemstones, we can run our own economy without going to the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund asking for loans and later, debt relief. So Grizzly Mining is the only hope for small-scale mining companies in Lufwanyama” Mr Kafimbwa said.