MINISTER PROMISES NO ‘SPECIAL’ TREATMENT OF INVESTORS

Mines Minister, Wilbur Simuusa has pledged fair and equal treatment of all mining sector investors.

Mr Simuusa says government will make no exception in its interaction with mining houses, regardless of their origin and background.

The minister has stated that the treatment will cross-cut labour, taxation and management issues.

Speaking in Lusaka, Mr Simuusa has explained that government will, however, not overlook, but take into account, the various peculiar operational challenges for particular investors.

He has noted that government is alive to the challenges associated with the mines in their operations but this should not fuel their haughty.

And Mr Simuusa has disclosed that he is soon to lift the moratorium effected on the issuance of mining rights.

He has elaborated that the moratorium will be lifted, but only after, all mining rights issuance processes, are made efficient and transparent, to the level of legally and legitimately defined accountability levels.

Mr Simuusa says efforts are being made to overcome the weaknesses, which manifest, in the metal export process, notably, a porous procedure needing immediate close monitoring.