GOVERNMENT COMMENDS ZAMBIA CHAMBER OF MINES FOR RECOGNISING THE EXCELLENCE OF MINING COMPANIES.
Government has commended the Zambia Chamber of Mines for not only promoting excellence, but also recognizing outstanding performances in various disciplines of the mining industry.
Republican Vice President, Mrs Inonge Mutukwa Wina said in a speech read for her by Finance Minister, Mr Felix Mutati at the Zambia Chamber of Mines 2017 Annual Mining Awards Gala held at Protea Hotel in Ndola.
She said that government is looking forward to growing the country’s Copper production to 1 million tonnes in 2018. Mrs Wina reiterated that government expects mining companies to play a significant role in attaining this target.
Speaking at the same event, Zambia Chamber of Mines President, Mr Nathan Chishimba stated that it is the Chambers desire to work closely with government in identifying appropriate strategies and initiatives that will unlock Zambia’s capacity to develop and mine other minerals apart from Copper.
He said, the Chamber is keen on working closely with the government in identifying appropriate strategies and initiatives that will unlock the capacity to develop and mine other minerals apart from copper.
Mr Chishimba also stressed on governments need to organize and streamline Artisanal Mining.
“Presently, this area of the industry is largely disorganized and run by individuals without appropriate consideration of environmental consequences and more importantly the consequences of the safety of the people working on these premises,” he said.
The Chamber President added that government does not seem to be benefiting from the proceeds of these activities and the opportunity to widen the tax base seems to have been lost.
“We have evidence of some very proactive strategies that some countries have employed to mutually benefit these individuals, government and the surrounding communities.”Mr Chishimba added.
The Awards Gala is an annual event to recognize and promote service and excellence. This year’s mining awards held on 3rd November were won by the following companies and individuals.
2015 Intercompany Mining First Aid Competition Award Kansanshi Mining
(Engineering)
2016 Intercompany Mining First Aid Competition Award KCM Konkola
(Geology)
2017 Intercompany Mining First Aid Competition Award Chibuluma mine
2015 Mine Rescue Services Final Competition Award Chibuluma Mine
2016 Mine Rescue Services Final Competition Award Konkola Copper Mine(Nchanga)
2017 Mine Rescue Services Final Competition Award Mopani Copper Mines(Mufulira)
Category 1 Mining Woman of the year (Mirriam Mapyapya)
Mopani Copper Mines
Category 2 Mining Personality of the year (Jacob B. Banda)
Mopani Copper Mines
Category 3 Best Performer in the Local content Mopani Copper Mines
Category 4 Best Mining Employer of the year Barrick Lumwana Mine
Category 5 Best performer in Social Investment Barrick Lumwana Mine
Category 6 Best Performer in innovation Chibuluma Mines
Category 7 Best Performer in Environmental Management Kalumbila Minerals
Category 8 Best performer in occupational Health & Safety Chibuluma Mines
Category 9
Mining Company of the Year Mopani Copper Mines
The Chamber of Mines President’s award was presented to Former Zambia Consolidated Copper Mines Ltd Chairman Mr Francis Kaunda, in recognition of his lifetime contribution to the mining sector.
In 2012, the mining gala awards were introduced to provide a forum for recognizing service and excellence of individuals and member companies in the mining industry, whose efforts remained unnoticed previously.
Ends//
Issued by:
Talent Ng’andwe
Acting Chief Executive Officer
Zambia Chamber of Mines
ngandwet@mines.org.zm
+260-211258383
+260977381309
