By 
Copperbelt Civil Society Mining Consultative Forum (CSMCF) says the government should use lessons learnt on the mine’s shareholding and reserve 50 percent shares in Mopani Copper Mines(MCM).
In a statement in Kitwe on Saturday, Forum Chairperson Gerald Mutelo said the government should not give away more than 50 percent shares in Mopani to an investor as that would takeaway the power of decision making.
“There are lessons learnt so far on shareholding, for MCM, the government must not give away more than 50 percent stake to the investor, as that will takeaway the power of decision making, ” Mutelo said.
” We are convinced that taxes and dividends are not enough to steer the development that we want as the province. We believe there is adequate both human and financial capital available to manage the mine,” he said.
Mutelo said the government should make decisions on the matters affecting the mining sector especially those matters not before any litigation.
“We wish to caution the government to take extra precaution measures on the matter and put the interest of the people and nation ahead of any negotiation on Mopani.This has to do with the issue of ownership,” Mutelo said.
Read more :forum-tasks-government-on-kcm-mopani-mines
The consortium also said the recent five-day tour of the Copperbelt by President Hakainde Hichilema was worthwhile despite not meeting the Civil Society.
He said in future the President should consider interacting with Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in the province because there were also partners in national development.
Mutelo said despite President Hichilema’s reassurance on the recapitalisation of Mopani among other mines,Copperbelt residents were anxious to hear practical solutions to the economic situation in the province rather than mere promises.
“We respect the professional way the issue of Mopani is being handled but it must be expedited. Further, we are also anxious to hear the position and progress from the government at the end of March 2023 as promised by the President.
WARNING! All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express permission from ZAMBIA MONITOR.
Comments