Vice president Scott opens Zambia International Mining Conference

Guy Scott

Vice President Dr Guy Scott this morning officially opened the 4th Zambia International Mining, Energy and Exhibition, reports Zambian Eye’s Limbikani Msamba.

The Vice President, who was accompanied by Mines Minister Christopher Yaluma and several senior government officials, arrived one hour 15 minutes late for the event that was originaly scheduled to begin at 09:00 hours.

He proceeded to give a brief speech in which he stressed that the country must wean itself from dependence on mining “or end up like western Australia” which he said had no agriculture. He told the gathering that the politics surrounding mining were real and could not be avoided.

“People are sensitive to issues around mining because this country’s history is heavily rooted in mining” he said.

He also acknowledged that the mining indusry had no capacity to absorb the many youths seeking employment.

Dr Scott sent the gathering into laughter when he reveald that he had no idea what the contents of his prepared speech were. 

and speaking earlier, Mines Minister Christopher Yaluma hailed ZAMEC 2014 as one of the most successful events to take place in Zambia.

“This is the only platform that brings stakeholders together in a quest to ensure growth and sustainability in the minining and energy sectors,” he said. 

He went on to outline the strides that have been made in both the mining and energy sectors. He revealed that copper production is projected to increase to 1.5 million tonnes in the next five years.

On energy, he revealed that government was working to accelerate investment in the sector. He said Zambia had the potential to generate over 6000 megawatts of power.

However, he bemoaned the fact that the rapid growth in the mining sector has not translated into improved living standards for ordinary Zambians. He however assured the gathering that the government had put in a number of measures aimed at increasing local participation in both sectors.

Speaking earlier Mines Minister Christopher Yaluma urged players in the Mine to esure that they increase on their social responsiblities activities. He said the locals had remained poor despite the boom in the sector.  

ZIMEC 2014 will provide the definitive platform for showcasing Zambia’s mineral and power potential and connecting with industry professionals.

The conference will feature two parallel conference streams, focusing on mining and power issues respectively.

This year’s event has attracted more than 300 participants from 24 countries.