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FSSMAZ seeks to achieve unity in mining sector

FSSMAZ seeks to achieve unity in mining sector
By Chiwoyu Sinyangwe
Wednesday May 28, 2008 [04:00]

NEWLY formed Federation of Small-Scale Miners Association of Zambia (FSSMAZ) has said the immediate objective is to achieve unity in the country's small-scale mining sector. In an interview after the new association was ushered into office last week, publicity secretary Rosemary Mundia de Boer also appealed for all regional organisations of small-scale miners to support FSSMAZ, an umbrella organisation.

"This is important for the small-scale miners as traders and lapidaries as it would strengthen our voice when it comes to lobbying government and other stakeholders on the demands of our industry unlike in the past when regional organisations used to speak independently," Mundia de Boer said. "We also hope that all the regional organisations will fully support this new association so that as we lobby for policies and other issues that affect the sector, we do it with one voice. This sector offers best opportunities for economic growth but if only we could have enhanced funding to the sector...and those are the things we want achieve as FSSMAZ."

And commenting on the recent statement by mines minister Dr Kalombo Mwansa that most small-scale miners were allegedly buying mining plots and later reselling them to foreigners, Mundia de Boer blamed the trend on lack of working capital and equipment among small-scale miners.

"That is true. But of course the problem is that miners don't have access to things like capital or equipment and that is what we want to address as the new federation," Mundia de Boer said.

The new office bearers include Pauline Shialumba Mundia (inaugural president), Emmanuel Kunda (vice-president), Ian Mashekwa Kalenda (general secretary), Mark Kalemba (vice-general secretary) and Mary Nguni (treasuer general). Others are Thomson Chikolela (vice treasurer), Rosemary Mundia de Boer (publicity secretary), Davies Kakoma (vice-publicity), Carol Chisanga, Winfred Ndlovu, Charles Chilufya and Misheck Chewe are the committee members.

Labels: FSSMAZ, MINING

posted by MrK @ 3:24 AM