By Scoop Reporter
THE way the Zambia Consolidated Copper Mines-Investment Holdings (ZCCM-IH) has organized gold mining is contrary to Government’s policy on empowering Zambians and also ensuring that mineral resources benefit locals, the Economic Association of Zambia (EAZ0) has charged.
EAZ president Lubinda Haabazoka says his organisation cannot support a ZCCM IH’s venture to open a gold company with shares only at 51 percent.
Dr. Haabazoka says EAZ cannot also support outsourcing gold processing in a joint venture with a foreign company.
“We shall seek to meet ZCCM IH to ensure that gold is purely for Zambians. We advise technocrats to advise policy makers correctly. It will be pointless to declare gold a strategic asset when it benefits foreigners!
“Joint ventures with foreign firms have failed in the mining industry. We therefore advise ZCCM IH to pause any collaboration until they listen to various stakeholders. EAZ stands ready to help out shape a citizen financed gold mining industry,” Dr. Haabazoka said.
