Govt to take bold decisions on KCM
By Misheck Wangwe in Kitwe and Henry Sinyangwe in Lusaka
Tue 26 Nov. 2013, 14:01 CAT
COMMENT - How on earth can KCM claim their costs are $7500 per tonne? That is about the market price of copper. They are lying. - MrK
WYLBUR Simuusa says courageous decisions will be made by the government to end the mismanagement of Konkola Copper Mines and protect people's jobs.
And Simuusa says the 10-man team that has been appointed by the government would only highlight the wrongs in the operations of KCM and make recommendations on how to protect jobs, as well as make the company viable again.
Meanwhile the Economics Association of Zambia (EAZ) says there is need to come up with an optimal mineral tax system desirable to both the government and investors.
In an interview yesterday, Simuusa, who is foreign affairs minister, said there was no doubt KCM had been mismanaged by the majority shareholders, Vedanta Resources.
Simuusa, a mining engineer by profession, said it was poor management at KCM which resulted in high operational costs adding that the upper ore body at Nchanga had more reserves of copper that could increase the lifespan of the mine.
"KCM has unnecessarily attracted more costs standing at US$7,500 per tonne, but if the company can reduce the costs to about $3,500 per tonne, production will continue," he said.
Simuusa, who is also PF Nchanga member of parliament, said stakeholders in the mines, including the major shareholders in KCM, Vedanta Resources, needed to acknowledge that every decision over the running of the mine would be made in the interest of Zambians, the workers and their investments.
"I am anticipating some hard decisions to be made for this situation at KCM. We need to protect people's jobs and we have made it clear as government and President Michael Sata said it, no one should be retrenched. We need to find other solutions and we all need to be courageous, explore other means of making KCM viable and we believe that this company would be viable again," Simuusa said.
He said KCM had the most de-motivated workforce because of the announcements of retrenchments and irregularities in the payroll system that had persistently rocked the mining company.
Simuusa said there was no mine that could meet targets with a demotivated workforce.
"Mining is the industry of targets, which requires proper care of the human capital which is the most valued asset of any country," he said.
Simuusa said KCM owed contractors and suppliers huge sums of money, a situation which he said was killing local business.
Meanwhile, Simuusa said the 10-man committee appointed by the government to look at impeding job losses at KCM was expected to do a professional job.
"This committee for me will not be able to solve problems, but at least they will be able to crystallise and show where the problem is so that together, we can sit and find a lasting solution. We don't want our people to suffer and we will not allow that to happen," he said.
Earlier this month, KCM announced plans to lay off over 1,500 workers in the next three years, as it migrates towards automation and mechanisation at Nchanga Underground, a move which displeased President Sata.
And the EAZ has challenged members of the technicalcommittee appointed to help ZRA optimise policing of the mining sector, to beobjective.
EAZ president Isaac Ngoma said the current tax system needed to be relooked at and find an optimal moderate tax that would create a win -win situation, both for the investors as well as for the government.
He said going the route of the windfall tax immediately, was something that was contentious.
"Ultimately, there is need for a study to be done and look at various operational issues of the investors in the mining sector and also look at government's position with regard to the sector. With good analysis, we would be able to come up with an optimal tax which is desirable and acceptable to both parties," he said.
And Ngoma said there was need to ascertain the challenges facing the mining sector.
"We need to ascertain the challenges that the mining industry is facing as well as try and review the working relationship with KCM.It is very important that both parties have a clear understanding of the issues at hand so that there is a harmonious relationship between the government andthe investor," he said.
Ngoma said EAZ hoped that the technical committee would work diligently in a timely manner and come up with solutions to issues that had been of concern.
"If you constitute a committee that is going to do such kind of work, you have to look at people that have diverse skills depending on the nature of the undertaking. Those that have interest, it is important that they declare interest so that they don't compromise the task at hand. You cannot get someone who is maybe a supplier to the mine in question, whose contract has either been terminated or are looking up to something from the same, it will compromise the process," Ngoma said.
He said there was need for an environment where government does not feel that the investors were cheating and investors do not feel that they were being ostracised or coerced by the government.
"The investment must be rewarding to the nation. It is important that whatever is done is done in a professional manner and at the end of the day we come up with a win, win situation," said Ngoma.
Labels: CORRUPTION, KCM, WINDFALL TAX, WYLBUR SIMUUSA
Read more...
Govt cautious on sanctioning economic projects - Simuusa
By Kabanda Chulu
Mon 12 Aug. 2013, 14:00 CAT
ENVIRONMENT minister Wylbur Simuusa says the government is taking a cautious approach to sanctioning economic projects that are located within game management areas.
And Simuusa has denied assertions by Zambezi Resources chief executive officer Frank Vanspeybroeck that senior ministers in the Zambian government were surprised at the decision by ZEMA to reject the construction of a copper mining project in the Lower Zambezi National Park.
Confirming receipt of the appeal lodged by Zambezi Resources, whose US$494 million Kangaluwi Copper project has been rejected by the Zambia Environmental Management Agency (ZEMA), Simuusa said Zambians must decide what is good for the country.
"I have received the appeal from the developers of the Kangaluwi project and we shall make a final decision over the matter within this month but I want to assure the nation that the decision to be taken will be in the interest of the country," Simuusa said in an interview in Lusaka. "Also the people should take a keen interest in matters of this nature, especially that most of Zambia's oil and gas reserves are found in game management areas. So how do we handle these issues? Anyway, the decision that we shall come up with will be a landmark one since we have to weigh the advantages of having an economic project against environmental protection, human and wildlife."
He also questioned the motive by officials at the Ministry of Mines that sanctioned exploration activities at the Kangaluwi project.
"In the first place, why were licences given? So, it seems the whole process has not been right from the beginning and this is why we shall get to the bottom of the issue and come up with a decision to safeguard the interests of the country," said Simuusa. "And it is not true that ministers are surprised at the decision; maybe there are others but I am not involved and this is why I want to understand the matter and make the right decision."
Following the rejection of the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) submitted to ZEMA, Zambezi Resources, the developers of the Kangaluwi project, through Vanspeybroeck, announced to shareholders in a posting to the Australian Stock Exchange that the company was currently taking steps to seek a review of the ZEMA decision as provided for in the environmental management Act 2011.
"The review is considered by the Minister of Lands, Natural Resources and Environmental Protection. Senior ministers in the Zambian government, including the Minister for Mines, Energy and Water Development remain fully supportive of the project and have been surprised at the decision of ZEMA," Vanspeybroeck stated.
"The newly elected Zambian government has gone to great lengths to convince the overseas investment community that Zambia is a safe place to invest and is encouraging of such investment in particular in the mining and resources sector."
Nevertheless, environmental activists have challenged Simuusa not to consider overturning the decision made by ZEMA to reject construction of a copper mining project in the Lower Zambezi National Park.
In the event of massive objections to the findings of an Environmental Impact Statement and ZEMA turns down construction of a project, the Minister has powers to allow the project.
For example, the MMD regime allowed the Chinese to begin mining at Ichimpe forests in Kitwe without following correct procedures.
Labels: ENVIRONMENT, GAME PARKS, WYLBUR SIMUUSA
Read more...
Govt to sensitise public on land acquisition
By Steve Mwiinga and Snike Mzulah in Siavonga
Sat 20 July 2013, 14:00 CAT
LANDS minister Wylbur Simuusa says the ministry will soon embark on sensitisation programmes on the procedures of acquiring land with the help of councils across the country.
And Simuusa has reaffirmed the government's commitment towards escalating cross-border relations.
Speaking when he met heads of government departments at the district commissioner's office in Siavonga, Simmusa said this was so because the levels of ignorance on the process to follow when acquiring land by most people in the country were worrying.
He attributed this to lack of adherence to laid down procedures when acquiring land by the majority Zambians.
"Those people who fight each other because they don't want to follow the procedures when acquiring land, as government and the ministry, we are saying we will go in there and see who is wrong and deal with that person. However we are immediately going to work with the council to help educate the people on how to acquire land," he said.
Simuusa also appealed to Zambians to take part in putting to an end the corrupt practices in land acquisition.
He also bemoaned the high levels of deforestation in the country saying Zambia had the highest deforestation rate in the world.
"I am already seeing a desert like here in Siavonga', and Southern Province is drying upon because of deforestation and trees which are being cut to increase agriculture. However, I am working with the agriculture minister to restore the environment because agriculture is one of the drivers of deforestation," he said.
He stated that charcoal burning was also another driver of deforestation in the country specially in places like Siavonga.
"As government' we don't recognise charcoal burning because we don't get any ngwee. Instead, it just increases deforestation but very soon we will have a charcoal indaba where we will discuss issues pertaining to charcoal burning'' he said.
And speaking when he officially opened the midterm review workshop for Zambia, Malawi, Mozambique and Tanzania International Boundaries in Siavonga at Lake Safari Lodge, Simuusa said the demarcation and reaffirmation of boundaries would guarantee peaceful co-existence of nations living in border areas.
"The demarcation and reaffirmation of our boundaries will guarantee peaceful co-existence of our nationals living in the border areas and will propagate the good and cordial relations that our countries have enjoyed," he said
He observed that a well delimited, demarcated and reaffirmed border could be used as a factor for peace, security, economic and social development.
"A well delimited, demarcated and reaffirmed border is a factor for peace, security and economic and social progress," said Simmusa.
Labels: LAND RIGHTS, WYLBUR SIMUUSA
Read more...
Simuusa hails KCM for maintaining workforce
By Ernest Chanda
Tue 11 June 2013, 14:00 CAT
NCHANGA PF member of parliament Wylbur Simuusa says Konkola Copper Mine's resolve to keep all its employees has brought relief to him and other people in the constituency.
About two weeks ago, KCM management had informed the government that it would lay off 2,000 permanent employees due to various production challenges the mining company was facing.
But after discussions with labour minister Fackson Shamenda and officials from the mine unions, KCM rescinded the decision.
Commenting on the matter, Simuusa who is also PF chairperson for mines, said the action implied that the government, employers and employees could dialogue and resolve issues.
"I feel and I know how hard it is for my people when they lose a job from the mines. They cannot pay for water, rent food, etc, and life just becomes unbearable. It is not a situation that should be allowed. I also want to speak on behalf of mine contract workers who are losing jobs everyday in large numbers e.g. UBM, FL Smith. They do not have a strong voice, and in the same spirit I implore KCM and other mining houses to stop the wanton and sudden termination of contracts," said Simuusa in an interview.
"It is a known fact that one of the biggest potential benefit for our people is through contracts to the mines. I call for the strengthening of the Mine Contractors Allied Workers Union Of Zambia (MCAWUZ) who are working very hard and trying their best but need more recognition and help for their voice to be heard and for them to better represent the mine contractors. I urge KCM and all stakeholders in the mining industry to dialogue openly with government so that issues that may need addressing can be critically analysed and a solution found."
Meanwhile, Simuusa disclosed that 5,000 title deeds for former ZCCM housing units on the Copperbelt are ready.
Addressing residents of SQ compound in Nchanga constituency on Sunday, Simuusa said the ministry was processing many more such documents.
"A good number of these title deeds are for Nchanga Constituency alone; this is what we promised you when we were campaigning as a party in 2011. Now we have to regularise other residential areas like R, SQ and MQ and I've had meetings with officials from ZCCM-IH over the matter," he said.
"By the end of this year we shall give title deeds, and we shall give one plot to each person. And the exercise of regularising plots in these areas I have mentioned should have ended by end of June. And where we have broken down houses, we shall treat them as plots when selling them to you."
Earlier, the residents aired their grievances and concerns to Simuusa.
The visibly emotional SQ residents grilled Simuusa on matters affecting their livelihood.
Irene Kazembe openly wept as she knelt before Simuusa and complained that someone had evicted her from a ZCCM house when she was the rightful sitting tenant.
A Mr Mwila complained about high unemployment levels and asked when jobs would be offered to the youth like him as the PF promised in the run-up to the 2011 elections.
Another resident, Martin Mulenga, asked when title deeds would be given to all residents, while Lombe Mulenga complained of poor services from Mulonga Water and Sewerage Company.
Barnabas Mambwe complained: "You the PF promised us free education but our children are not going to school because we cannot afford school fees. And when we talk about the broken down sewerage, we always long for Mwandila who used to even collect garbage, but the one who is here now we don't see him and we don't even know him."
Mabvuto Nkhata asked district commissioner George Sichula and the town clerk, who were both present at the meeting, why they do not grade roads using council equipment instead of waiting for the member of parliament.
Lawrence Mulenga complained about a broken down standby generator at Nchanga North hospital.
However, after Simuusa broke the news about title deeds and the number of roads that were being upgraded, the residents ululated, with one man shouting: Ba Simuusa nga mwafwa, mwikabola (when you die, do not rot)."
Simuusa promised to engage officials from Zesco and Mulonga Water and Sewerage Company on the complaints raised.
Labels: KCM, WYLBUR SIMUUSA
Read more...
COMMENT - I guess when it comes down to it, everyone is in favour of land reform. Let's hope they didn't talk about Zimbabwe with a sneer when it was their time of need and they sacrificed when they were getting their land back. Land reform in Zambia, who would have though it. It isn't just Zimbabwe, South Africa, Namibia, Kenya and Botswana.
Nalubamba endorses calls to empower locals with land
By Ernest Chanda
Thu 06 Dec. 2012, 09:20 CAT
SENIOR Chief Bright Nalubamba says the government should empower indigenous Zambians with land. Last week, several members of parliament requested lands minister Wylbur Simuusa to make sure indigenous Zambians are empowered with land.
And commenting on the matter, chief Nalubamba of the Ila people in Namwala district of Southern Province, said the calls were in the interest of Zambians.
"This is a progressive call for the benefit of the Zambian people; that is a welcome move. They must repossess because land is wealth for the people," he said yesterday.
When informed that some members of parliament had also asked government to protect traditional leaders who were being enticed by some foreign investors to sell huge chunks of traditional land, Nalubamba said: "If that has been done against the wishes of the people, the communities at rural level, that land must definitely be returned to the people at community level. I know that as traditional leaders, we are not only restricted to sell land to our people at community level, but they must be given priority because they are our people."
Debating the 2013 estimates of expenditure for the Ministry of Lands on Thursday, all the lawmakers passionately requested Simuusa to repossess idle land after carrying out an audit and give it to indigenous Zambians.
Mazabuka UPND member of parliament Garry Nkombo asked Simuusa to dismantle what he termed the 'colonial land tenure system'.
"Her Majesty the Queen of England gratified some people with land post World War II and these are the same people who own a lot of land in Zambia. There are so many foreigners owning land in this country while indigenous Zambians have nothing," said Nkombo.
"I therefore urge the government to provide this ministry with more money as they regularise what is irregular. The colonial land tenure we inherited must now start dismantling. Any land that has not been used in the last 100 years must be audited and given to Zambians for use."
Mpongwe MMD member of parliament Gabriel Namulambe called for serious land reforms.
Labels: BRIGHT NALUBAMBA, CHIEFS, GABRIEL NAMULAMBE, GARRY NKOMBO, LAND REFORM, MMD, WYLBUR SIMUUSA
Read more...
Mines should pay more tax - Scott
By Mwala Kalaluka
Fri 23 Mar. 2012, 13:00 CAT
INVESTORS should pay more tax and they should be more tax-compliant even under the existing legislation, says Vice-President Guy Scott. And natural resources, land and environmental protection minister Wylbur Simuusa says the PF manifesto already contains a mineral royalty tax-sharing mechanism.
Vice-President Scott made the remark whilst contributing to debate on a motion moved by Solwezi Central MMD member of parliament Lucky Mulusa, urging the government to establish a mineral royalty tax-sharing mechanism.
Mulusa's motion, which was ultimately passed by the House, was premised on the delayed implementation of section 136 of the mines and minerals development Act, enacted on April 1, 2008, concerning the sharing of mineral royalty revenue.
"We have taken the point that noboby should be able to suffer for being close to these natural resources," Vice-President Scott said.
"So we can't actually back your motion but we will take note of it."
Mpongwe MMD member of parliament Gabriel Namulambe said the local people of the Copperbelt had not benefited from the area's mineral wealth.
Namulambe lamented that because it had taken time to implement the mineral royalty-sharing mechanism, the Copperbelt, which was deemed as one of the developed areas of the country, was actually one of the poorest.
"We the real people Lambas of the Copperbelt are very poor," said Namulambe.
"What sin have we committed that when we are supposed to share, we are not considered?"
Kalomo UPND member of parliament Request Muntanga said it was a pity that the former MMD government failed to implement the mineral royalty-sharing mechanism.
"I sometimes wonder what happens to my friends when they shift from here opposition to there government. When it comes to fighting for the rights of the people, they forget easily," said Muntanga.
"We will remind them that it is important that they don't abdicate on this responsibility."
And Simuusa said that the motion was pushing an open door.
"The motion is a sermon or preaching to the converted," Simuusa said. "When we were in opposition we were indeed very passionate about this issue. We had a position."
Simuusa said whilst in opposition the PF was alive to the fact that a mineral royalty-sharing mechanism was necessary for the nation to share its mineral wealth equally.
"It's very interesting that last time this motion was shot down by that party MMD when they were in government. This motion actually is in line with our party manifesto," he said.
"We are going to implement this...We are in the process of revising the mines and minerals Act." Mulusa, in winding up the debate, said Zambians were listening attentively to PF leaders' confused response to the motion.
"At the beginning of the debate, I had a very clear mind. Now, my mind is in confusion. I don't know what message I will give to my people," said Mulusa.
"Mining areas are patients so give them some bit of medicine so that they come to a state of health where everyone is."
Labels: GUY SCOTT, PF, WINDFALL TAX, WYLBUR SIMUUSA
Read more...
COMMENT - "Gashum Muchindu, said he earns
K20,000 a day. Are these the famous 'jobs' that giving away all the country's resources for a bribe will bring to Zambia? K20,000 at K5,000 is $4 per day. Hardly an improvement over $1,- per day. I say give people land, and cheap credit, and they will create their own jobs, which will pay A LOT more than that. It is time for the Zambian government to get serious about taxing the mines.
Collum mine gets ultimatum on safety
By Gift Chanda
Thu 15 Mar. 2012, 12:59 CAT
THE government has given Chinese-run Collum Coal Mine a 30-day ultimatum to improve safety conditions or risk closure. And workers at the mine have threatened to strike over wages.
Well-placed sources disclosed that the ultimatum on Collum Coal Mine was given during a closed-door meeting held recently in Lusaka with the three Chinese brothers who own the mine in Sinazongwe.
Sources said the mine was given up to end of March to implement a set of guidelines that border on safety, failure to which the mine risks being shut down.
"During the meeting, the officials from the Ministry of Mines made it clear that if safety standards are not improved at the mine, government will not hesitate to close the mine," the source said.
"The mine has been problematic from way back and it is clear that the mining method in use is not the best. So the government told them to look into that as well. They were also told to provide safety gear for the workers."
Early this year, then mines minister Wylbur Simuusa threatened to revoke the mine's licence and shut down its operations due to poor safety standards.
Simuusa expressed sadness at the way the mine was being run by the Chinese, saying it was clear that the owners were totally disregarding safety standards and did not even have qualified personnel approved by the Ministry of Mines to run the mine.
A miner early this year died while underground after a rock-fall occurred at shaft 3 at the mine. And workers at the mine have complained of poor working conditions. They have threatened to down tools if their conditions are not improved. The workers complained of working long hours with little pay. They accused management of threatening them with dismissals whenever they complained about wages.
An underground worker, Gashum Muchindu, said he earns K20,000 a day for loading a 75-tonne bucket with raw coal.
"All the workers have agreed to down tools if salaries remain the same at the end of this month," said Rodgers Sinda, a mine representative.
Labels: CHINESE COLLUM COAL MINE, LABOUR, WYLBUR SIMUUSA
Read more...
Zambia says may bring back mine windfall tax
Thu Feb 9, 2012 12:44pm GMT
* Gov't says to engage miners on tax
* Sees windfall if copper tops $10,000/t
LUSAKA Feb 9 (Reuters) - Africa's top copper producer Zambia may bring back a mining windfall tax if copper prices hit $10,000 per tonne, the Zambian high commission in South Africa said on Thursday, quoting the minister of mines.
Copper steadied on Thursday, holding near the year's high, as hopes Greece would reach a bailout deal boosted the euro, offsetting data showing a rise in inflation in top consumer China.
Benchmark copper on the London Metal Exchange (LME) was at $8,576.75 a tonne at 1050 GMT, almost flat from a close of $8,580 on Tuesday.
"For the whole of this year windfall tax will not come up unless prices go up to the region of $10,000 per tonne," mines minister Wylbur Simuusa was quoted in the statement as saying during a meeting with Rio Tinto officials on the sidelines of a mining conference in Cape Town.
"The projections are that it will hit $10,000 and at that time we may sit around the table. If the prices hit those ranges it is only logical that we talk," he said.
Zambia scrapped the 25 percent windfall tax in 2009 following complaints from mining companies that it raised production costs and discouraged investment.
It doubled royalties on copper miners to six percent in the 2012 budget to bring in badly needed revenue to increase social spending and farm subsidies, a move miners have warned may cause them to scale back operations.
Foreign mining companies operating in Zambia include Canada's First Quantum Minerals, Vedanta Resources Plc, Glencore International Plc, Barrick Gold, Brazil's Vale and Metorex of South Africa. (Reporting by Chris Mfula; Editing by Ed Stoddard and James Jukwey)
Labels: MINING, WINDFALL TAX, WYLBUR SIMUUSA
Read more...
Munyenyembe was a rare voice of reason - Simuusa
By Mwila Chansa-Ntambi in Mufulira
Mon 13 Feb. 2012, 12:59 CAT
A MULTITUDE of people from all sectors of society on Saturday converged in Mufulira to pay their last respects to late Mineworkers Union of Zambia president Oswell Munyenyembe who died in a road accident last Tuesday.
And National Union of Miners and Allied Workers (NUMAW) president Mundia Sikufele has urged the labour movement in Zambia to use Munyenyembe's death to reflect and re-organise itself.
Meanwhile, mines minister Wylbur Simuusa says the government regarded the late Munyenyembe as a rare breed of a brave and courageous trade unionist.
Traffic moved slowly on the Kitwe-Chingola and Mufulira-Sabina roads as hundreds of mourners drove to the border town of Mufulira to pay their last respects to Munyenyembe whose body was interred at Chatulinga Cemetery.
Notable among those that attended the funeral were Simuusa, his deputy Richard Musukwa, works and supply deputy minister Mwenya Musenge, Copperbelt minister Davies Mwila, deputy secretary to the Cabinet in charge of administration Teddy Mulonga, ZCTU president Leonard Hikaumba, Federation of Free Trade Unions of Zambia president Joyce Nonde-Simukoko, politicians from diverse political parties, miners and ordinary citizens.
And delivering the funeral sermon, Rev Chizason Chunda, of the Church of Central Africa Presbyterian where Munyenyembe congregated, described the late trade unionist as an exceptional leader and a role model both to the Church and society at large.
Rev Chunda observed that many people might be asking questions as to why God allowed Munyenyembe to die in a tragic accident but they should remember that there was time for everything and that God's time was the best.
He observed that Munyenyembe used the time that God accorded him on earth properly because he dedicated his entire life to fighting for the betterment of human kind and fighting against injustice.
Rev Chunda added that Munyenyembe was a friend to many as could be evidenced by the multitudes that turned up to pay their last respects to him.
He challenged people to take stock of their lives and gauge whether they were using the time God had given them on earth properly.
Rev Chunda added that it did not matter how long a person lived on earth but that what mattered was how that person utilised the time that God gave them on earth.
And speaking at the burial site, Sikufele asked the Zambian labour movement to be united and seek God's guidance so that He could reveal the meaning of Munyenyembe's death.
"The voice of the labour movement which has seemingly become dim should be stronger and we should use this period to re-organise ourselves and serve the people," said Sikufele.
MUZ general secretary Chishimba Nkole said Munyenyembe's death had left a big gap in the oldest union in the mining industry in Zambia.
Nkole urged mourners to ensure that they continued showing their love for Munyenyembe by looking after his children and widow.
Hikaumba said Munyenyembe's demise was a ‘cruel thief' that had robbed the nation of a gallant and courageous leader.
Hikaumba said even though Munyenyembe was offered to stand as a member of parliament on a named political party's seat during last year's elections, he opted to continue representing workers.
And Simuusa said Munyenyembe was a rare voice of common sense and reason and that his contribution to the labour movement was unmatched.
He also said the PF government wanted to see a united and strong labour movement adding that previously, there were deliberate efforts to fragment and weaken the voice of workers.
Munyenyembe is survived by a wife Charity, six children and one grandchild.
He attended primary education in Muyombe; his secondary education in Malawi before studying architecture at the Zambia Institute of Technology (ZIT) which is now the Copperbelt University.
He began his trade union career at branch level in 1983 and rose through the ranks to become general secretary and eventually president, a position he held until his death last week.
Labels: LABOUR, MUNDIA SIFUKELE, MUZ, NUMAW, OSWELL MUNYENYEMBE, WYLBUR SIMUUSA
Read more...
Government to increase stake in mines
By Gift Chanda in Sinazongwe
Wed 01 Feb. 2012, 14:01 CAT
THE
Zambian government says it will not nationalise mines but instead increase its stake to about 35 per cent. Mines minister Wylbur Simuusa said the government wanted Zambian participation in the mining industry to increase.
Speaking when he toured Maamba Collieries mine on Monday, Simuusa said most governments globally were currently considering raising their stake in mining companies to about 35 per cent and the Zambian government would want to take that step too.
Simuusa noted that, through the state mining-investment company, Zambia Consolidated Copper Mines -Investment Holdings (ZCCM-IH), Zambia currently owns less shares in mining companies thereby limiting proper supervision of the mining companies.
Currently, ZCCM-IH holds between 10 and 20 per cent of major mine projects across the country and Zambia has been exerting ore control on mineral exports.
"In the previous regime, it was very clear that the mining sector was not being properly supervised and I know that is one thing that undid the previous regime," Simuusa said.
"In this new government we want the mining sector to be properly supervised …in fact, we know that the key to turning this nation around is in our mineral resources. One of the measures we want to take as PF government is to increase Zambian participation in our mining industry…we are not going to nationalise the mines but we would want to increase our participation."
Government recently said it was considering buying a stake in the financially troubled Munali Nickel Mine were it currently owns 0.97 per cent.
"It is sad that Zambia being so richly endowed in mineral resources, we have got copper and high grade coal yet we are ranked among the 20 poorest countries in the world. That is quiet unfortunate and as the PF government, we want to turn this around," Simuusa said.
He further called on mining company owners to ensure that preference was given to local suppliers of goods and services to the mines. He said that was the only way the mining companies would be helping the government create more jobs for Zambians.
And Simuusa commended Singapore's Nava Bharat Pte , the majority owners of Maamba Collieries, for awarding salary increments to workers at the country's largest coal producer.
He said it was cardinal that benefits from the mining companies started accruing right with the miners. Earlier, Nava Bharat Private Limited chief executive officer, Ashwin Devineni said works on setting up the new coal handling processing plant in time for the resumption of full-scale mining activities and sell of high grade coal in March, were on course.
Nava Bharat acquired a 65 per cent stake in Maamba in 2009 and planned to spend U$108 million on modernising the mine.
The new mine, which was expected to produce 360,000 tonnes of coal in its first year, aims to reach a maximum output capacity of 2 million tonnes per year.
It also expects to ramp up the washed coal sales from about 30,000 tonnes a month to about 50,000 tonnes by 2013.
Labels: MAAMBA COLLIERY, MINING, WYLBUR SIMUUSA, ZCCM-IH
Read more...
State ponders ZCCM-IH listing on LuSE
TIME PUBLISHED - Friday, January 6, 2012, 9:02 am
GOVERNMENT says it will consider a full listing of ZCCM-Investment Holdings (ZCCM-IH) shares on the Lusaka Stock Exchange (LuSE) after the restructuring exercise is finalised.
ZCCM-IH has been a quoted company on LuSE for a long time and there are calls from various stakeholders to have the firm fully listed for the public to participate in the ownership.
Minister of Mines Wilbur Simuusa said a positive decision will be made as soon as the restructuring exercise is completed.
“Yes we are considering that (full listing) although it will be done after the restructuring process is completed. We have to ensure that the books, the balance sheet are worked on to enable us to do it,” he said.
Mr Simuusa said this in an interview in Lusaka on Wednesday.
He said ZCCM-IH has not posted profits or given dividends since its inception over 10 years ago and Government plans to re-brand the organisation to make it operate profitably and promote local participation in the ownership and management of mining assets.
He said a meeting will soon be convened with a technical committee to map out a way forward.
The minister, however, said currently Government is not in a position to decide whether the firm’s shares should be fully listed on the local bourse.
Mr Simuusa said ZCCM-IH is an important unit which, if properly managed, can help the country realise huge benefits from the mining resources.
[Zambia Daily Mail]
Labels: LUSE, WYLBUR SIMUUSA, ZCCM-IH
Read more...
Simuusa vows to subdue corruption in mining
By Gift Chanda
Mon 26 Dec. 2011, 13:58 CAT
MINES minister Wilbur Simuusa says he will discharge his duties in the most transparent and fair manner. Simuusa, in an interview, said
his ministry would operate on the basis of zero-tolerance to corruption in line with President Michael Sata's declaration that the PF government would deal sternly with those who would be found to be corrupt."As Minister of Mines, I will ensure that my ministry is rid of corruption. Our President said he is allergic to corruption; even us as ministers, we have to be allergic to corruption and ensure that we discharge our duties in the most fair, transparent and effective manner devoid of any corruption," he said.
And responding to accusations by Euro Africa Kalengwa Mine director Elijah Muyompe that he, as Minister of Mines, failed to help matters over the Kalengwa Mine dispute between the former and Hetro Mining, Simuusa said his ministry would not take sides in the matter but ensure that correct channels are followed in resolving the issue.
"First of all, it is not right for Euro Africa to bring my name into disrepute over this matter. They know very well that their prospecting licence has not been renewed for that mine, and they know very well that their colleagues Hetro Mining hold a processing licence for Kalengwa Mine. I have tried my best to resolve this issue, and I will not be derailed in resolving it transparently regardless of who is involved," Simuusa said.
"No one has a right to mine in that area because none of them have a licence that allows them to mine in that area. I advised Kalengwa Mine the best way to proceed in this matter and they chose not to listen to that advice. What Euro Africa should be doing now is fight for the renewal of the licence and not antagonising the whole process."
Hetro Mining owned by Kitwe businessman Shawi Fawaz, which was evicted from Kalengwa Mine by Euro Africa following a disputed court order in favour of the latter, has since obtained a High Court order to take possession of the mine and property worth billions of kwacha which were seized by the Sheriff's Office.
According to an ex parte order of interim custody and detention of property, the Ndola High Court has ordered Euro Africa Kalengwa Mining Ltd directors, shareholders, employees and agents not to interfere with Hetro Mining's operations under the processing licence.
The order further states that Euro Africa should not interfere with the processing and movement of the ore, operation of the plant machinery, equipment, motor vehicles and all other such activities related to the said licence, pending an inter-parte hearing.
Hetro Mining earlier obtained a writ of execution to stop Euro Africa from conducting any mining activities and selling its properties, arguing that it was in possession of a processing licence for the mine in question. Euro Africa Mine on the other hand held a prospecting licence for the mine which expired and is seeking renewal.
Last week, Euro Africa Kalengwa Mine director Elijah Muyompe challenged the judiciary to provide due direction over the Kalengwa Mine in Mufumbwe, whose ownership was granted to Euro Africa by the Lusaka High Court but has again been invaded by Hetro Mining and other ore dealers.
Muyompe charged that actions by Hetro Mining to disregard a High Court order granting ownership of the mine to Euro Africa and invading the site was an act of impunity and contempt of court.
He said Fawaz's action was a daring move to the authority of the judiciary and that the government needed to come clean over claims by Fawaz that he was untouchable.
Muyompe further complained that mines minister Wylbur Simuusa failed to help matters during a meeting called recently to discuss the impasse over Kalengwa Mine between Euro Africa and Hetro Mining because it appeared the minister was also compromised.
But Simuusa said Euro Africa should desist from making wild allegations on the matter.
"I do not have time to side with anyone. All we are trying to do is to help the situation and sort it out once and for all," said Simuusa. "We are still working on measures to rectify and correct many situations in the Ministry of Mines."
Labels: CORRUPTION, INVESTMENT LICENSES, LICENSES, MINING, TAX EVASION, TAXATION, WYLBUR SIMUUSA
Read more...
Simuusa vows to subdue corruption in mining
By Gift Chanda
Mon 26 Dec. 2011, 13:58 CAT
MINES minister Wilbur Simuusa says he will discharge his duties in the most transparent and fair manner.
Simuusa, in an interview, said his ministry would operate on the basis of zero-tolerance to corruption in line with President Michael Sata's declaration that the PF government would deal sternly with those who would be found to be corrupt.
"As Minister of Mines, I will ensure that my ministry is rid of corruption. Our President said he is allergic to corruption; even us as ministers, we have to be allergic to corruption and ensure that we discharge our duties in the most fair, transparent and effective manner devoid of any corruption," he said.
And responding to accusations by Euro Africa Kalengwa Mine director Elijah Muyompe that he, as Minister of Mines, failed to help matters over the Kalengwa Mine dispute between the former and Hetro Mining, Simuusa said his ministry would not take sides in the matter but ensure that correct channels are followed in resolving the issue.
"First of all, it is not right for Euro Africa to bring my name into disrepute over this matter. They know very well that their prospecting licence has not been renewed for that mine, and they know very well that their colleagues Hetro Mining hold a processing licence for Kalengwa Mine. I have tried my best to resolve this issue, and I will not be derailed in resolving it transparently regardless of who is involved," Simuusa said.
"No one has a right to mine in that area because none of them have a licence that allows them to mine in that area. I advised Kalengwa Mine the best way to proceed in this matter and they chose not to listen to that advice. What Euro Africa should be doing now is fight for the renewal of the licence and not antagonising the whole process."
Hetro Mining owned by Kitwe businessman Shawi Fawaz, which was evicted from Kalengwa Mine by Euro Africa following a disputed court order in favour of the latter, has since obtained a High Court order to take possession of the mine and property worth billions of kwacha which were seized by the Sheriff's Office.
According to an ex parte order of interim custody and detention of property, the Ndola High Court has ordered Euro Africa Kalengwa Mining Ltd directors, shareholders, employees and agents not to interfere with Hetro Mining's operations under the processing licence.
The order further states that Euro Africa should not interfere with the processing and movement of the ore, operation of the plant machinery, equipment, motor vehicles and all other such activities related to the said licence, pending an inter-parte hearing.
Hetro Mining earlier obtained a writ of execution to stop Euro Africa from conducting any mining activities and selling its properties, arguing that it was in possession of a processing licence for the mine in question. Euro Africa Mine on the other hand held a prospecting licence for the mine which expired and is seeking renewal.
Last week, Euro Africa Kalengwa Mine director Elijah Muyompe challenged the judiciary to provide due direction over the Kalengwa Mine in Mufumbwe, whose ownership was granted to Euro Africa by the Lusaka High Court but has again been invaded by Hetro Mining and other ore dealers.
Muyompe charged that actions by Hetro Mining to disregard a High Court order granting ownership of the mine to Euro Africa and invading the site was an act of impunity and contempt of court.
He said Fawaz's action was a daring move to the authority of the judiciary and that the government needed to come clean over claims by Fawaz that he was untouchable.
Muyompe further complained that mines minister Wylbur Simuusa failed to help matters during a meeting called recently to discuss the impasse over Kalengwa Mine between Euro Africa and Hetro Mining because it appeared the minister was also compromised.
But Simuusa said Euro Africa should desist from making wild allegations on the matter.
"I do not have time to side with anyone. All we are trying to do is to help the situation and sort it out once and for all," said Simuusa. "We are still working on measures to rectify and correct many situations in the Ministry of Mines."
Labels: CORRUPTION, INVESTMENT LICENSES, MICHAEL SATA, MINING, TAX EVASION, WYLBUR SIMUUSA
Read more...
Simuusa warns against forest depletion
By Fridah Nkonde in Ndola and Gift Chanda in Lusaka
Thu 22 Dec. 2011, 13:50 CAT
INCREASED timber harvesting without replanting can lead to depletion of forests and timber shortages in the country, says mines and natural resources minister Wylbur Simuusa.
And the Evangelical Fellowship of Zambia (EFZ) has called for establishment of a forestry commission in a bid to curb deforestation.
During the Zambia Forestry and Forest Industries Corporation Limited (ZAFFICO) 2011/2012 tree planting in Ndola on Tuesday, Simuusa said ZAFFICO would replant over four million seedlings covering about 3,000 hectares of land this year alone.
Simuusa said current demand for timber had increased to unprecedented levels due to a rise in construction and mining activities taking place in the country.
He said apart from replanting on the Copperbelt Province, ZAFFICO had projected to expand the tree-planting programme of establishing and managing industrial plantations in other provinces in the country.
Simuusa said to encourage private participation in the forestry sector, ZAFFICO had raised and offered for sale to the public 800,000 pine seedlings at a price of K2,000 per seedling.
He said the inspiration to revive tree planting could not have come at a better time than now when the entire world was grappling with global issues like global warming and climate change.
Simuusa said the increased demand for timber and the associated environmental needs was a clear wake-up call for all Zambians to double their effort in expanding forest plantation in all parts of the country.
"The forestry sector has the capacity to create employment to our people in all forest activities starting from planting, weeding, pruning, logging and processing of the wood into other timber products. Given the fact that trees are replaced after harvesting, I have no doubt that this industry is a haven for job creation in the country. For instance, ZAFFICO has currently engaged about 1,600 seasonal employees who are working in the plantation in Ndola, Ichimpe, Chati, and Lamba," he said.
Simuusa said the government was worried that despite the enormous job opportunities the forest sector had created, the private sector was not keen on investing in the industry.
He said the Patriotic Front government would encourage and render maximum support to investors who wanted to venture into the forestry sector.
Simuusa appealed to Zambians to change their attitude and take keen interest in the forestry sector.
And in an interview shortly after the launch of a policy brief on forestry on Tuesday, Evangelical Fellowship of Zambia (EFZ) executive director Reverend Pukuta Mwanza urged the government and all key stakeholders to quickly act and save the country's forest cover from depletion.
He said a study recently done by EFZ revealed that the country's forest cover was under threat due to an alarming rate of deforestation, degradation, erosion, economic activities and unsustainable farming practices.
According to the United Nations' Food Agriculture Organisation (FAO), 66.5 per cent or about 49,468,000 hectares of Zambia is forested.
But between 1990 and 2010, Zambia lost an average of 166,600 hectares or 0.32 per cent per year.
In total, between 1990 and 2010, Zambia lost 6.3 per cent of its forest cover, or around 3,332,000 hectares.
Zambia was ranked among the top 10 countries globally in terms of deforestation between 2000 and 2006.
"One of our strong proposals to the government is that there must be strong funding towards the forestry sector so that there can be effective monitoring of the forests," Rev Mwanza said.
"In this regard we would like to see the establishment of the proposed Zambia Forestry Commission which should provide necessary regulatory roles as well as the certification process so that enhanced benefits can accrue to the Zambians."
Rev Mwanza said the establishment of the proposed Zambia Forestry Commission would be the surest way of ensuring that the management of forests was more sustainable and cost effective.
Meanwhile, the EFZ also recommended that the forestry policy be updated to provide a clearly defined thrust and direction as well as benefits.
It proposed that the forestry Act be amended to align it with existing monitoring and evaluation policy.
Labels: FORESTRY, TIMBER, WYLBUR SIMUUSA
Read more...
COMMENT - Who runs the Zambian economy, the PF or the World Bank? Oh never mind...
Zambia could cut back mineral royalty tax if copper prices collapse-Simuusa
TIME PUBLISHED - Friday, December 9, 2011, 5:36 pm
Mines Minister Wylbur Simuusa has told Reuters today that Zambia could cut back mineral tax royalties if commodity prices collapse next year. Mr Simuusa told Reuters on the sidelines of a London conference. “For now (the royalties) will stay, but if it becomes a crisis, if prices crash, we might have to review the regime… not in 2012 but for 2013, in the next budget,”
Zambia plans to double royalties on copper miners to six percent in order to bring in badly needed revenue, increase social spending and farming subsidies – a move miners have warned may cause them to scale back operations.
The World Bank has said that the policy is unlikely to cripple the industry at current prices but could cause problems if copper prices fall.
Copper miner First Quantum, one of the largest investors in the Zambia’s mining sector, warned the viability of newer projects in the country, especially a newer generation with lower copper grades, could be at risk. It says its Kansanshi copper-gold mine is already among the most highly taxed in the world.
Adam Little, head of tax for First Quantum, indicated the miner hoped reforms to improve Zambia’s tax collection would result in lower royalties, which are based on revenue, not profit, and can be very punitive as prices fluctuate.
“We need to be thoughtful about the impact of revenue-based taxes. The recent 100 percent increase in mineral royalty taxes is damaging, especially for low-margin mines,” Little said.
“If other taxes can become more collectable, then Zambia’s reliance on the more damaging taxes can be reduced.”
Simuusa agreed their could be a re-calibration once Zambia has overhauled its tax and tax collection system.
Foreign mining companies operating in Zambia include Canada’s First Quantum Minerals, London-listed Vedanta Resources Plc, Glencore International Plc, Barrick Gold, Brazil’s Vale and Metorex of South Africa.
[Reuters]
Labels: IMF, MINING, PF, TAXATION, WINDFALL TAX, World Bank, WYLBUR SIMUUSA
Read more...
Copperbelt illegal miners give Government a 7 days ultimatum to legalise their business
TIME PUBLISHED - Tuesday, December 6, 2011, 12:57 pm
THE Small-Scale Miners Association of Zambia (SMAZ) has given the Government a seven-day ultimatum in which to address the plight of illegal miners on the Copperbelt.
The association wants Government to legalise their activities and allocate some of the dump sites in Kitwe and Chingola to illegal miners. But Minister of Mines Wilbur Simuusa said Government will soon hold discussions with small-scale miners to try and address some of their problems.
SMAZ president Simon Njovu said, at a press briefing in Kitwe yesterday, that the association is giving Government seven days in which to address the problems the association is facing in its operations.
Mr Njovu said the association wants Government to legalise small-scale mining activities which are a source of income to the unemployed youth.
He said the association has 4,319 members and that the youth are the majority due to the high unemployment levels in the country.
“As an association, we are giving the Government seven days in which to address our problems. We want the Government to legalise illegal miningactivities and to give us some of the dump sites in the province,” Mr Njovu said.
He said illegal miners risk their lives as they dig copper ore in various dump sites at awkward hours for fear of being attacked by the mine police officers.
Mr Njovu said the association has so far lost 231 members who have been buried alive while digging copper core.
He said the association wants Government to give them the dump sites at Mopani Copper Mines in Kitwe and those in Chingola so that they can start mining on a large scale basis.
He said the association wants Government to give them the dump sites at Mopani Copper Mines in Kitwe and those in Chingola so that they can start mining on a large scale basis.
Mr Njovu said once the association is empowered with the dumpsites, more employment opportunities can be created for the youth.
“If today Government gives us the dump site, we can utilise all the materials there. We can even start making pan bricks and contribute to the construction industry,” he said.
Mr Njovu also appealed to President Sata to arrange for a meeting with small-scale miners because there are many clandestine issues in the mining sector which Mr Sata needs to be aware of as head of State.
But Mr Simuusa said Government is working on modalities to try and address the problems that illegal miners face in the country.
Mr Simuusa said Government is waiting for SMAZ to elect a new executive before holding discussions with them on what should be done to improve the operations of the association.
“I’m surprised to hear that SMAZ had a press briefing to air their grievances when I’m waiting for them to usher in a new executive to address their problems. However, we are working on modalities to bring sanity and order to the small-scale mining industry,” he said.
He said Government wants to offer technical advice to illegal miners and capitalise the small-scale mining industry before the dump sites can be given out.
[Zambia Daily Mail]
Labels: MINING, WYLBUR SIMUUSA
Read more...
Mwale ordered ministry to give Namulambe, Kabonde mining rights
By Chibaula Silwamba
Mon 28 Nov. 2011, 13:59 CAT
FORMER mines minister Maxwell Mwale instructed his ministry officials to favour fellow minister Gabriel Namulambe, then inspector general of police Francis Kabonde and former defence permanent secretary Nicholas Kwendakwema with mining rights contrary to the law.
According to his signed letter reference number MMMD/101/7/7 of December 21, 2010 to the director of mines and the Director of Geological Survey, Mwale ordered the two officials to give Namulambe, then minister of works and supply, mining rights for areas in Luapula and North/Western Provinces.
"RE: Instructions on processing applications for mining rights in government reserved areas. This serves to instruct you that applications received over areas recently reserved for government shall be processed as follows: (1) Applications received and registered in the priority register at anytime shall not have any priority; (2) Priority shall be assigned to government investment partners by my office in writing; (3) former LPL 7517 for Caledonia Nama must be processed in favour of Honourable Gabriel Namulambe under the following applications: (a) 15576-HQ-LPL and (b) 15577-HQ-LPL," Mwale stated.
"You will receive further similar allocation instructions for other government reserved areas."
According to sources, 15576-HQ-LPL is in Milenge District in Luapula Province while 15577-HQ-LPL is in Chavuma District in North/Western Province.
"The areas where the minister instructed that Mr Namulambe be given mining rights have deposits of copper, manganese, iron and silver," the source said.
In a memo dated June 29, 2011, Mwale instructed the director of mines and the director of geological survey to favour Kabonde, Dr Kwendakwema and others with mining rights in Mumbwa District, west of Lusaka, in Central Province.
"Subject: instructions on processing applications for mining rights over expired licences. This serves to instruct you that applications received over areas reserved for government shall be processed as follows: (1) applications received and registered in the priority register at anytime shall not have priority ; (2) priority shall be assigned to government investment partners by my office in writing; (3) area relinquished by
Metmin Limited no. 12997-HQ-LPL must be divided into four parts and processed in favour of Mr. Francis Kabonde, Micmar Investments, Kaima Farms and Quiman Enterprise," Mwale wrote.
"(4) the area under the expired licence for Albidon no. 8262-HQ-LPL must be divided into two parts and processed in favour of Axion Consultancy Limited(5) the area under the expired licence for Siziba no. 11903-HQ-LPL must be divided in three parts and processed in favour of Chiluku Enterprises Limited, Glanava Supplies & Services and Sepo Mining Company, (6) part of the area under the expired licence for Cellstop no. 10159-HQ-LPL must be processed in favour of Pedicle Investment and Dr N. Kwendakwema."
Mwale also directed that of the remainder areas under reserve, one should be allocated to Ngwezi Resources Limited.
Mwale's memo was copied to Ministry of Mines and minerals development permanent secretary and the head of the mining cadastre.
The permanent secretary's date stamp, acknowledging receipt of the memo, indicated July 28, 2011.
But in a July 22, 2011 memo to director of mines and the director of geological survey, Mwale notified the two officers about Kaima Farms' disinterest in the area it was allocated.
"Subject: Instructions on processing applications for mining rights over expired licences. The memo dated 29th June, 2011 on the said subject refers. Applicant Kaima Farms for the area relinquished by Metmin is not interested in the Mumbwa area and thus has withdrawn," stated Mwale, in a memo copied to Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development permanent secretary and the head of the mining cadastre.
A mining expert, who sought anonymity for fear of victimisation, said the Mumbwa area where Kabonde and others were allocated mining rights has deposits of gold, copper, uranium, manganese, cobalt, silver, iron and lead.
Mwale's instructions on persons and companies to be given mining rights were contrary to the law, according to the head of mining cadastre a Mr G Ndalama, who in his February 19, 2010 memo explained the normal procedure in the issuance of mining rights that depends on first-come first-serve basis.
"Processing a later application at the expense of earlier applications over the same area would be illegal. In this regard, I wish to advise that principles outlined at Section 12 of the Mines and Minerals Development Act in accepting and evaluating applications over reserved areas be adhered to," advised Ndalama.
Current mines minister Wylbur Simuusa has suspended the issuance of mining rights in a bid to root out corruption in the lucrative industry.
Labels: CORRUPTION, MAXWELL MWALE, MINING, WYLBUR SIMUUSA
Read more...
HH is myopic, say ex-UPND officials
By Roy Habaalu in Mazabuka
Tue 15 Nov. 2011, 13:59 CAT
WYLBUR Simuusa says people of Southern Province should remove the tribal tag by voting for change. And former UPND officials said Hakainde Hichilema was a myopic leader who wanted to bulldoze his way.
During a rally at Kaleya grounds to drum up support for the Patriotic Front Magoye parliamentary candidate Eugene Munyama, Simuusa who is also mines minister and is the PF's campaign manager said Southern Province should join the rest of the country in fulfilling the change they desired.
"Me I am Simuusa from Choma but I won (elections) with a landslide in Nchanga. Let's show the country that we're tired of being in the opposition. Don't waste your votes on UPND and MMD; they're not going anywhere," said Simuusa.
Former UPND national trustee Mundia Mundale said the party went into an alliance with MMD without consulting the party.
"Why does he (Hichilema) think he can decide on all matters alone? He pulled out of the pact with PF without consulting us and now they have gone to bed with MMD without consulting members," she said.
Cecilia Limwanya, a former UPND national women's coordinator said she left the party due to its inconsistencies on national issues.
She said it was shameful that Hichilema who denounced MMD's soft spot for corruption had teamed up with hypocrites.
"How can a serious person partner with a party that maimed and killed our brothers and sisters in Mongu? MMD has blood on its hands, and these are the people UPND is working with!" she remarked.
Former UPND chairman for livestock and fisheries Lawrence Nyambe said UPND would sink by the end of this year.
He said the party leadership was divided after Hichilema dictated that they work with MMD.
"People are not happy and more will be leaving; watch the space," he said.
Labels: HAKAINDE HICHILEMA, WYLBUR SIMUUSA
Read more...
ZCCM-IH to disclose the whereabouts of K850 billion next month after board approval
TIME PUBLISHED - Monday, November 7, 2011, 5:13 am
ZAMBIA Consolidated Copper Mines Investment Holdings (ZCCM-IH) has
broken its silence regarding the whereabouts of the US$167.5 million Barrick Gold paid for a 2.28 percent stake in Lumwana Mining Company (LMC).“The funds are
placed in short-term investments with local financial institutions,” ZCCM-IH said in a statement placed in the Daily Mail following
concerns from minister of Mines and Minerals Development Wylbur Simuusa that the company might have either ‘misplaced’ or ‘misapplied’ the money.
ZCCM-IH, in a management statement, said it will disclose the whereabouts of the money after a board approval next month because doing so before the board’s consent would be tantamount to flouting listing rules. The company is listed on the Lusaka and New York bourses.
Last week, Mr Simuusa gave the company a one-week ultimatum to account for the money which in Kwacha terms stands at tens of billions and could provide a major boost to poverty reduction programmes.
Former minister of Finance Situmbeko Musokotwane, in an interview via phone from Zimbabwe where he is doing some work, said he is confident the money could not have been misapplied.
ZCCM-IH, in a management statement, said it will disclose the whereabouts of the money after a board approval next month because doing so before the board’s consent would be tantamount to flouting listing rules.
“If there are any suspicions by the minister (Mr Simuusa) that the money is missing,” Mr Situmbeko said, “the matter must be reported to the police.”
The Peter Munk owned gold digger paid Australia’s Equinox Minerals up to US$7.5 billion for LMC and insisted on buying off the 2.28 percent stake Zambia had even after the local competition commission advised that ZCCM-IH must maintain the stake which by extension gave ZCCM-IH a stake in the multi-billion Jabil copper and gold mine in Saudi Arabia.
Criticism mounted regarding ZCCM-IH’s decision to take a ‘measly’ US$167.5million from the largest gold digger in the world instead of actually demanding a large stake in the mine that has an extendable 35-year lease life.
However, speculation has been escalating that ZCCM-IH only agreed to give up the 2.28 percent stake in LMC after Canada’s Prime Minister from 1984 to 1993 Brian Mulroney visited State House with a Zambian author based in the United States.
Barrick Gold is a Canadian owned mine. The nature of discussions Mr Mulroney “quietly” had at State House with the Zambian author and State House officials remains unknown.
[Zambia Daily Mail]
Labels: CANADA, CORRUPTION, LUMWANA MINING COMPANY, SITUMBEKO MUSOKOTWANE, WYLBUR SIMUUSA, ZCCM-IH
Read more...
Maximise revenue from mines
By NANCY MWAPE
GERMANY has called on Government to ensure that the mining industry contributes sufficient resources towards to the national budget to reduce donor dependence.
Visiting Germany chancellor for Africa representative Gunter Nooke said Germany is interested in seeing that President Michael Sata’s Government succeeds in growing the Zambian economy.
Mr Nooke, who was in the country for three days, said Germany is also interested in seeing resources from the mining sector positively contribute to the national budget.
Speaking in an interview before his departure, Mr Nooke who met President Sata,
Finance and National Planning Minister, Alexander Chikwanda, Minister of Mines Wilbur Simuusa and the Civil Society, described his visit to Zambia as fruitful.
He congratulated President Sata for his victory and the Zambian people for the peaceful transition
Labels: MICHAEL SATA, MINING, WINDFALL TAX, WYLBUR SIMUUSA
Read more...
