- Says compliance by mining firms at 90%
MELODY MUPETA
Kitwe
THE Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development says the uptake of local content regulations by companies in the mining industry has been encouraging, with about 90 percent compliance recorded so far.
In an interview, Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development Permanent Secretary Hapenga Kabeta said mines are responding positively to the local content law, which is helping local companies to secure business from mining firms.
Dr Kabeta said companies like Konkola Copper Mines (KCM) and First Quantum Minerals (FQM) have established departments dedicated to local content and are supporting implementation of the regulations.
“I can safely say 90 percent compliance is very good for any business, and local companies are greatly benefiting from this policy,” he said.
Dr Kabeta, however, acknowledged that the new regulations are facing some teething challenges, which stakeholders are working to address.
He also advised local suppliers in the mining industry to prioritise quality, competitive pricing and timely delivery of goods and services.
Dr Kabeta said suppliers should ensure that they consistently deliver on time rather than meeting contractual obligations only occasionally after being awarded contracts.
He further urged Zambian enterprises seeking opportunities in the mining supply chain to strengthen their capacity, governance and competitiveness rather than relying on local content requirements.
Dr Kabeta said local businesses should invest in quality, productivity, innovation, technology, financial management, occupational safety, standards compliance and continuous training if they are to meet the demanding requirements of the mining industry.
He said there is also a need for small enterprises to have clear management structures that inspire confidence among mining companies.
Dr Kabeta said local content should be viewed as a strategic partnership involving Government, mining companies, industry, financial institutions, training institutions and development partners.
He also called for stronger linkages between mining companies and local manufacturers so that procurement opportunities can be identified early enough for local businesses to develop products and services capable of meeting future demand.
Meanwhile, FQM has expanded the emergency department at Trident Mine Hospital in Kalumbila District while stocking it with medical equipment worth K5.7 million.
The hospital currently serves approximately 17,000 people annually and handles more than 40,000 consultations, catering for employees, contractors, their dependants and members of the public. FQM Trident general manager Scott Whitehead said in a statement that the expansion includes a specialised resuscitation room for complex medical interventions and a fully equipped emergency room with additional bed capacity. https://enews.daily-mail.co.zm/welcome/home
