HH wants increased mining production to minimize impact of shocks to economy

By Masauso Mkwayaya

President HAKAINDE HICHILEMA says he wants the mining sector to grow to a level where minor shocks do not impact the stability of the economy.

President HICHILEMA says shocks in the sector affect the entire economy.

He says this is why government has set a target of three million tonnes of copper production by 2031.

Speaking when he officially opened the Mining Insaka in Lusaka, President HICHILEMA said once this target is achieved, the mining sector will expand to a level where it will not be shaken by minor shocks.

He said this will also enable the sector to support other areas such as energy and agriculture.

Furthermore, President HICHILEMA said the government will collaborate with mining companies to develop a chart showing how much copper will be produced by each entity.

He explained that this will help track progress towards three -million-tonnes copper production target.

The President said the country’s resource wealth should improve the livelihoods of its people.