. Yaluma

By MAIMBOLWA MULIKELELA
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THE Government will continue to improve the business environment in the mining industry to ensure that Zambia reclaim its position as the seventh largest producer of copper in the world.


Currently, Zambia was ranked as the eighth largest producers of copper in the world with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) taking up the seventh position.


Mines, Energy and Water Development Minister, Christopher Yaluma  said it was important for Zambia to reclaim its position and the Government would ensure that the business environment was favourable for the mining industry to increase its investment and production.
In an interview in Lusaka yesterday, Mr Yaluma said an appropriate environment for investment in mining was key to the growth of the sector.


Mr Yaluma said the government would continue to work with the mining companies on the need to increase the copper production and ensure that the country get back to seventh position.
The minister said the Ministry of Finance was also working at ensuring that the tax regime was favourable to support economic growth.


He said there are a number of mining companies coming on stream which
would be able to increase the copper production.


Mr Yaluma said the Government would continue to audit the mining industry in order to understand the difficulties being experienced in the sector.
The minister is currently touring all the mining companies in the Copperbelt and North-western provinces.