Govt eyes gold reserves to drive economic growth

Government has reiterated its commitment to transforming the country’s economy through the effective utilisation of Zambia’s gold reserves. Speaking during a stakeholder engagement meeting in Mufumbwe District today on the Kikonge Mining Project, Ministry of Mines Permanent…

Government has reiterated its commitment to transforming the country’s economy through the effective utilisation of Zambia’s gold reserves.

Speaking during a stakeholder engagement meeting in Mufumbwe District today on the Kikonge Mining Project, Ministry of Mines Permanent Secretary Hapenga Kabeta said Government wants proceeds from gold mining operations such as Kikonge to contribute directly to the national economy.

Dr Kabeta said Government has made significant progress in ensuring that gold mined in Zambia is properly accounted for and contributes to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

He has since urged Zambians to embrace patriotism and a nationalistic mindset as the country works to transform the lives of local people.

Meanwhile, ZCCM-IH Chief Executive Officer Kakenenwa Muyangwa told stakeholders that about 80 percent of the main road leading to the Kikonge Mine has been completed, while construction of the dam is expected to commence soon.

And representatives of cooperatives from Mufumbwe and Kasempa districts have appealed to the Ministry of Mines to prioritise local cooperatives when allocating mining tenements before considering applicants from outside the two districts.