Lawmaker Kang’ombe proposes law requiring mines to generate own electricity, as outages persist

Kamfinsa Constituency lawmaker, Christopher Kang’ombe, has proposed new legislation to require all mining companies in Zambia to generate a portion of their own electricity to help alleviate the country’s power deficit.

Speaking to the media in Kitwe on Wednesday, Kang’ombe argued that the current situation, where more electricity was allocated to mining operations while residential areas suffered from load shedding, was inequitable.

He suggested that mines should take greater responsibility for meeting their power needs.

“The mines consume a significant amount of electricity but are not generating enough power themselves, which puts a strain on the national grid and leads to load shedding in residential areas,” Kang’ombe said.

He added that mines have the capacity to generate their own electricity and should invest in doing so, highlighting the potential benefits such as reducing the power deficit, creating local jobs and stimulating economic growth.

Kang’ombe cited First Quantum Minerals (FQM) in Zambia as an example, noting that the company is currently importing over 193 MW of power due to insufficient supply from ZESCO, which represented 52 percent of its power needs in the Northwestern Province.

He acknowledged that such importation was costly in the long run due to the ongoing expenses tied to the mine’s operational lifespan.

“If every mining company in Zambia had its own power generation units to meet part of their demand, it would mean more local jobs for technical personnel and a reduced demand for foreign currency,” he added.

Zambia Monitor learnt Kang’ombe plans to officially table this policy proposal for debate when Parliament opens on September 14, 2024, aiming to find a sustainable solution to Zambia’s power challenges and ensure a more stable electricity supply for all.

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