President Hakainde Hichilema says  Government is expecting  Mingomba mine to scale-up copper production to aid Zambia’s goal of attaining three million tons in the next six years. 

President Hichilema has added that the Mine’s target to produce about 300 hundred thousand metric tons of copper by 2031 will contribute to job creation and accelerate economic development.

 

ZANIS reports that Mr Hichilema was speaking when Mingomba mine management paid a courtesy call on him at State House to give an update on the progress they have recorded since their last meeting last year.

 

The President urged Mingomba mine to work extra hard to produce more copper by leveraging on technology and their technical knowledge in the mining sector, adding that Government is keen to see the mine commences full production as quickly as possible. 

Mr Hichilema also commended the mine for creating over 500 direct and indirect jobs, thereby fulfilling Government’s ambitious agenda to employ more Zambians. 

“We are delighted for the significant progress that you have recorded so far at KoBold Mingomba metals Africa, this will translate in job creation for our people, Government is focused on jobs and business opportunities to unlock Zambia’s economy, ” he said. 

He also expressed happiness to the mine for partnering with universities, saying that the move will promote knowledge and technology sharing.

 

Mr Hichilema further reiterated the importance of value addition to the minerals aimed at maximising profit from the mining sector. 

 

KoBold metals President, Josh Goldman said KoBold Mingomba metals is excited to invest in Zambia to promote economic growth through job creation and knowledge transfer among local people. 

 

Dr Josh explained that the objective of paying a courtesy call on the President was to update him on the steady progress the mine has achieved since the last meeting with him last year.

He said his company is working tirelessly on the Mingomba project so that full operations can commence soon to create more job opportunities to Zambians. 

 

Earlier, KoBold metals Chief Executive Officer,  Mfikeyi Makayi explained that 70 percent of drilling on the Mingomba mine project has been done. 

 

She also noted that over 500 direct and indirect jobs have been created and that the number is expected to increase to 700 by the end of 2025.

 

Ms Makayi also disclosed that the mine is working with local people and that interns from Universities have been incorporated to learn advanced modern skills and technology.