Zambia’s Minister of Mines and Mineral Development Richard Muskuwa led a delegation to meet Japanese State Minister for Economy, Trade and Industry Hon. Yoshihiro Seki at the on-going African Mining Indaba.
The two countries discussed mine exploration opportunities that exist especially for copper and cobalt metals and the opportunity to exploit and develop the resources.
Zambia has requested Japan to ensure that a cobalt processing plant and associated technologies were set up in Zambia to encourage value addition to the metal.
Cobalt is what is deemed as a battery metal and it lies at the future of battery technology driving electric cars.
Seki brought to the meeting an 18-man delegation while Musukwa was accompanied by Northwestern Province Minister, Nathaniel Mubukwanu, Copperbelt Minister, Japhen Mwakalombe, Zambia’s High Commissioner to South Africa Emmanuel Mwamba and other technical experts.
The “Investing in African Mining Indaba” is the worlds largest mining investment conference, dedicated to the capitalisation and development of mining in Africa.
This year’s Investing In African Mining Indaba has gathered over 5000 thousands of delegates representing nearly 2,100 international companies.
It has attracted cabinet minister and policy makers from 45 African countries.
The Indaba has attracted investors, mining corporates, government ministers, international press, and other industry players.