Lusaka, Zambia – April, 2017 - With around 70% of Zambia’s earnings currently depending on copper mining, the Zambian government aims to diversify mining activities and strive towards a sustainable and viable mining sector. Zambia has known copper reserves of some 20 million tonnes and is the ninth largest copper producing nation in the world but is also internationally recognised as a major producer of high quality emeralds, aquamarines, amethyst and tourmalines.
However, the promotion of the wider use of renewable energy also plays a focus with the International Finance Corporation (IFC) signing a second mandate for its Scaling Solar programme with the Zambian government in a World Bank organised auction program. Between 250MW and 350MW will be procured under a subsequent procurement round, with the IFC’s mandate covering up to 500MW with the end goal of Zambia providing Africa’s cheapest solar power.
As with mining activities, Zambia's electricity system also has to be diversified to reduce its vulnerability to climatic changes. Notwithstanding considerable untapped hydro potential (over 4 000 MW), the share of non-hydro technologies has to be increased and Zambia aims to take a strong and dynamic path to develop this.
The strategies and discussions behind the growth of a diversified economy will be the emphasis of the 7th Zambia International Mining & Energy Conference, supported by the Government of Zambia, Zambia Chamber of Mines, Zambia Development Agency and Zambia Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Zambia Professional Trade Events, where industry stakeholders will meet to plan the future steps needed.
Sessions will focus on a variety of topics including:
- Building enabling legal frameworks for sustainable mining & energy in Zambia
- Financing energy and mining projects – opportunities and challenges
- Power generation in Zambia – hydro power vs alternative, renewable energy sources
- Creating long term sustainability of the mining sectors
- Mainstreaming Zambia’s mineral resources for greater economic development.
Well-known industry players will be sharing their insights and knowledge on these topics. Some of the speakers include:
- Matt Pascall, Operations Director, First Quantum Minerals
- Daniel Major, Chief Executive Officer, Goviex Uranium
- Evert Swanepoel, Centre Director, Copper Development Association of Africa (CDAA), South Africa
- Isaac Mwaipopo, Executive Director: Acting, Centre for Trade Policy and Development
- Alfredo Baldini, Resident Representative, International Monetary Fund
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Will Pearson, Get FiT Zambia Programme Coordinator: German Development Bank (KFW)
Aasmund Andersen, Managing Director, Revenue Development Foundation,
Degol Hailu, Regional Director: Extractives, United Nations Development Programme
Harvey Nkosi, Country Manager – Group Business Development SADC Region, Fraser Alexander
Sponsored by First Quantum Minerals Ltd, Fraser Alexander and Enel Green Power, ZIMEC will bring together government and industry players to discuss the big questions around the theme of “Mining and Energy Development in Zambia - Increasing Economic Activities”.
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