The hugely successful launch of the Copperbelt Mining Trade Expo & Conference (CBM-TEC) in Kitwe, Zambia, from April 28 to 29, attracted 92 exhibitors, 1 600 visitors and 140 conference delegates, including Zambian Vice President Dr Guy Scott and Mines, Energy and Water Development Minister Christopher Yaluma.

“We clearly identified a specific need and gap in Zambia’s vital mining industry and managed to fill it with a world-class exhibition, high-level attendees as well as a very practical, relevant programme, which all contributed to CBM-TEC’s real impact. Certainly, our expectations were exceeded and we are delighted by the overwhelming welcome we received by Zambia, the mining community and the local media,” says CBM-TEC programme director Nicole Smith.

Building a World-Class Mining Industry
Smith says the focus of CBM-TEC was on building a world-class and sustainable mining industry, with Zambia poised to increase copper production over the coming years.

“Society as a whole must look at certain issues, such as how to manage the environment and how best to engage Zambians and Zambian business-owners and manufacturers in the supply chain, so that the mining sector becomes the impetus for stimulating Zambian manufacturing,” she says, further emphasising the need to grow small and medium-sized enterprises in Zambia to service the mining industry.

“Throughout the conference, there were discussions on how to balance the ratio of local versus foreign participation in the sector. “Also crucial to the growth and sustainability of the industry, were the questions about best training practices for the industry and how to create a skilled job force.”

Call for Transparency
The high-level representation from government and industry proved to organisers that the country is serious about taking the Copper-belt forward, says Smith. Scott delivered the keynote address and conducted the official open- ing of the exhibition.

He said the environmental agency’s responsibility was to ensure that all industries and economic players complied with environmental requirements. He urged mining companies to continue dialoguing with government in an open, frank and transparent manner.

“Let’s be open, let’s be honest, let’s be Zambian. We are not making life difficult for your mining companies, we have obligations to the people. If we do not speak frankly and openly, rumour mongers will start spreading falsehoods about our operations,” Scott said, adding that government was prepared to work with the mining industry for the good of the country.

Scott was flanked by Yaluma, who provided a special address to the conference on the outlook and vision for Zambia’s mining sector.

“It was encouraging to see the excellent participation of key directors within the Mining Ministry over the two days and the opportunity that was given to the delegates to have a question and answer session with the Minister,” says Smith.

She further highlights that on day two, conference delegates were provided with an overview of expansion operations from key operators in Zambia. On the panel were mining companies First Quantum Minerals, Barrick Lumwana, Chibuluma and Lubambe.

Key Attendees
Also in attendance were the Minister of the Copperbelt, the mayor and district commissioner of Kitwe, and 11 directors from the Ministry of Mines, Energy and Water Development.

There was also representation from all the operators, including Mopani, Barrick Lumwana, Chibuluma, Lubambe and Konkola Copper Mines. There was also a delegation from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), headed by the VP of the DRC Chamber of Mines, which provided an excellent opportunity for engagement on cross-border issues and opportunities.

Apart from putting the Copper-belt on the map, the mining hub of Kitwe, CBM-TEC caused a stir in Zambia’s second-largest city. Smith notes: “Kitwe is a gateway to most of Zambia’s mining region where the operations are based. It was a strategic decision to bring a professional attendance event to the Copperbelt and thereby create connectivity across the mining value chain. “We received many compliments from attendees, exhibitors and sponsors, particularly regarding the quality of the visitors that were walking the expo floor.”