The seventh Zambia International Mining and Energy Conference (Zimec) will be held in Lusaka on April 5 to 6, 2017, and will retain the theme of Zimec 2016: ‘Mining and energy on the growth path to support and grow the Zambian economy’.

Zimec 2016 was hosted at the New Government Complex Conference Centre, in Lusaka, from June 23 to 24.

“Zambia has long had calls for diversification of the economy away from dependence on copper but Zimec 2016 amplified these calls; further, [it advocated] a strong call for diversification away from hydroenergy,” the Zimec organising committee says in a statement.

About 70% of Zambia’s earnings depend on copper mining, while over 90% of electricity is generated using hydropower.

The Zimec organising committee reports that last year’s conference came against the backdrop of challenges in both the mining and energy sectors over the last year – low commodity prices and a crunching energy deficit – and aimed at gathering senior representatives of the key stakeholders of Zambia’s energy sector to address issues affecting power generation, while showcasing the growing opportunities in the renewable-energy sector.

As part of the official opening at Zimec 2016, Zambian Mines, Energy and Water Development Minister Christopher Yaluma read a speech on behalf of President Edgar Lungu, in which he described how challenges in both the mining and energy sectors presented opportunities for both government and the private sector to think out of the box to find lasting solutions.

Also speaking at the conference, Zambian Chamber of Mines president Nathan Chishimba reflected on a World Bank forecast of a decline in Zambia’s copper production after 2019, “unless there is a new wave of investment”, adding that there was no time to lose given the timescales in mining.

“All of us here today know that policy instability and friction between Zambia’s government and the mining industry have benefited no one in recent years. “But I truly believe those days are past us. To those investors here today, I point to the recent decision to lower the Mineral Royalty Tax (MRT) in the face of budgetary pressures as evidence of long-term policymaking to safeguard the future health of the country’s pre-eminent industry.”

In 2014, Zambia’s copper output was 711 000 t/y, more than three times its output 15 years ago. According to forecasts made a few years ago, Zambia’s copper estimates should be closer to 900 000 t/y, says Chishimba.

“Our existing reserves are extensive. But after a century of mining, the ore grades are lower and the copper is more technically challenging and expensive to access.”

Chishimba’s speech also highlighted that “good progress has undoubtedly been made by all parties in the last 18 months”, but that challenges lay ahead.

He stressed that a collective means to overcome these challenges needed to be identified through the symmetry of industry excellence and responsive regulation “if my vision is to come to pass”.

Chishimba’s speech concluded that “tomorrow’s mining industry depends on decisions taken today”.

First Quantum Minerals (FQM) director of operations Matt Pascall said Zimec 2016 was a very well refined learning experience that gave insight into real issues on energy and mining, “as well as insight into how committed FQM is to empowering and assisting the vulnerable in our area of operation and mining at the Kalumbila mine”.

First-time attendee Zambia Council for Social Development’s programme assistant said: “I am impressed with the quality of exhibitors,” while PwC Zambia senior associate Kopaya Kaoma enthused that the event was well organised.

Zimec exhibitor profiles include industrial nonmetallic minerals, precious minerals, nonferrous metals, ferrous metals, sand, gravel, openpit mining, underground mining, mineral processing, metals preparations, mine-site development, mining exploration and mine surveying.

The annual event, introduced in 2011, is expected to attract extensive industry and public participation and provide a platform for attendees to discuss the challenges of commodity price downturns, the changing regulatory environment and solutions for sustainable ways to cut operational costs of existing projects.