Latest news with #MiningWeek
Zawya
09-07-2025
- Business
- Zawya
World Bank Backs Mining as Zambia's Economic Engine Ahead of African Mining Week (AMW) 2025
International financial institution the World Bank has underscored the role the energy transition metals (ETM) value chain plays in unlocking sustainable economic growth in Zambia. In a report released this week, the institution has shown that while Zambia recorded 4% GDP growth in 2024, the country can further accelerate economic growth through scaling-up ETM production, maximizing fiscal potential and adding value to mineral resources. The upcoming African Mining Week (AMW) conference – taking place October 1-3 in Cape Town - will feature a country spotlight session on Zambia. The session – titled Zambia: Accelerating Exploration and Development Through License Allocation - will provide insight into the country's mineral potential, connecting project and investment opportunities with financiers and mining operators. As Africa's premier gathering for mining stakeholders, AMW 2025 is well-positioned to support Zambian economic growth by facilitating new investment across the mining sector. Scaling Energy Transition Metals Production To support economic growth in Zambia, the World Bank underscores the need to scale-up the production of ETM. To achieve this, recommendations include the implementation of reforms aimed at boosting mineral output, exploration across new deposits and workforce development. In line with these recommendations, Zambia is already advancing a national plan to increase ETM production, specifically copper, while enhancing seismic data acquisition to support future exploration activities. Zambia has set a national target of increasing annual copper production to three million tons by 2031. In line with this goal, the country saw a 29.9% rise in copper output from Q1, 2024 to Q1, 2025. Major projects are also underway, including the Mimosa Resources-led Kashime copper mine, the relaunch of the Vedanta Resources-led Konkola mine and the International Resources Holding-led Mopani mine. Meanwhile, to support exploration efforts, the country is implementing a nationwide geomapping campaign to better understand its geology and mineral basins. As of June 2025, the campaign was 80% complete. Maximizing Fiscal Potential As production increases across the ETM sector, the World Bank has underscored the role of improved revenue management and better allocation mechanisms to support fiscal sustainability and sectoral service delivery. Such mechanisms would ensure that mining revenue creates long-term impacts for the economy. In line with these, Zambia's Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development is operationalizing the Minerals Regulation Commission and restructuring its departments to include dedicated units for Geological Survey, Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining (ASM) and Large-Scale Investment Promotion. These reforms aim to improve governance, transparency and institutional efficiency. The government also unveiled the Zambia Integrated Mining Information System - a digital platform to track mining company activities, monitor local content and tax contributions and provide public access to data on mineral prospects. Adding Value to Mineral Resources In addition to ETM production and revenue, the development of Zambia's copper value chain creates a range of economic opportunities for the country, from job creation to business participation to trade and financing. By redirecting capital to local businesses and downstream projects, the country will be able to address barriers to value-adding activities, thereby stimulating more inclusive economic growth. Progress is already underway in this regard. Zambia plans to establish mineral market centers and washing plants in Mumbwa, Rufunsa, Chisamba and Kasempa to empower small-scale miners, as part of its value addition strategy. A national training program for licensed artisanal miners is also in the pipeline to improve safety, productivity and skills. These efforts seek to support local miners, creating greater value from the ETM value chain. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital&Power. About African Mining Week (AMW): African Mining Week serves as a premier platform for exploring the full spectrum of mining opportunities across Africa. The event is held alongside the African Energy Week: Invest in African Energies 2025 conference from October 1-3 in Cape Town. Sponsors, exhibitors and delegates can learn more by contacting sales@
Zawya
11-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Sierra Leone's President Julius Maada Bio Officially Launches 10th Edition Of The African Diamond Producers Association Mining Week In Freetown
His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio today officially launched the 10th Ordinary Session of the African Diamond Producers Association (ADPA) Mining Week, hosted for the first time in Sierra Leone. The event marks a significant milestone in the country's mining journey and highlights its growing leadership role in Africa's mineral development sector. In his keynote address, President Bio warmly welcomed the ADPA delegation and expressed gratitude to the ADPA Secretariat for choosing Sierra Leone as the host. 'Sierra Leone is proud to host this important event. I am confident that our collective resolve will ensure its success and leave a lasting impact,' he said. Reflecting on Africa's long-standing legacy in diamond production, the President stated, 'Africa's diamond industry is steeped in history, interwoven with our cultures, economies, and aspirations. Our diamonds are not just resources; they are the sparkling jewels of our heritage, fueling opportunity and igniting hope across our communities.' President Bio called on ADPA policymakers to deepen cooperation among member states, harmonize legal frameworks, and promote technical assistance to transform the diamond industry from one historically linked to conflict into a beacon of sustainable development. He emphasized the need for enhanced governance, transparency, and accountability to build international confidence and credibility. Highlighting Sierra Leone's progress in legal and institutional reforms, the President pointed to the enactment of the Mines and Minerals Development Act of 2022, which modernized the mining sector's regulatory environment. 'We have improved oversight, strengthened community engagement, and addressed emerging challenges with comprehensive reforms,' he said. Looking ahead, President Bio urged African nations to shift from merely exporting raw diamonds to embracing value-added processes like cutting, polishing, and jewelry manufacturing. 'This strategic shift will create jobs, build our industrial capacity, and increase revenues. We must ensure that the wealth from our diamonds drives sustainable development,' he stated. He reaffirmed Sierra Leone's commitment to ADPA and the shared vision of transforming the continent's mineral wealth into tangible socio-economic benefits. 'Together, let us reaffirm our commitment to a future where our diamonds shine as a true source of prosperity, peace, and development for all Africans,' President Bio declared. With those words, the President officially declared open the 10th Ordinary Meeting of the ADPA Council of Ministers and Committee of Experts, and the Sierra Leone Mining Week 2025. In his welcome address, the Director General of the Sierra Leone Minerals Agency, Alhaji (Ing.) Hadji Dabo, described the hosting of the Mining Week in Sierra Leone as a testament to President Bio's unwavering commitment to transparency, accountability, and sustainable mining. He noted that the event presents an invaluable opportunity to foster partnerships and investment that will ensure the country's mineral wealth benefits every Sierra Leonean. 'The successful hosting of this 10th Ordinary Session signals Sierra Leone's readiness to collaborate and lead in shaping the future of Africa's mining industry. I am optimistic that this week will establish a framework for enduring cooperation within the continent's mineral sector,' the Director General said. Outgoing ADPA President and Zimbabwean Minister of Mines, Hon. Winston Chitando, expressed gratitude to President Bio and the Government of Sierra Leone for the privilege of hosting the event. 'This gathering reflects our shared commitment to positioning Africa at the forefront of global diamond production and trade. Let us continue working together to promote the interests of the continent,' he remarked. In his remarks, Sierra Leone's Minister of Mines and Mineral Resources, Hon. Julius Mattai—who officially assumes the presidency of the ADPA, thanked President Bio for his visionary leadership and dedication to ensuring that all Sierra Leoneans benefit from the country's natural resources. He emphasized the government's reforms to strengthen policies guiding mining operations and praised the progress made in transparency and accountability since 2018. 'The Mining Week provides a vital platform for sharing ideas, forging partnerships, and promoting sustainable practices in the mining industry. It is a call to action to manage our mineral resources responsibly and ensure they translate into real benefits for our people,' Minister Mattai stated. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of State House Sierra Leone.
