A delegation from the global mining giant Anglo American plc is in the country to explore mining investment possibilities.
President Hichilema wrote on his Facebook page that his government this afternoon hosted the delegation led by the company’s chief executive officer, Duncan Wanblad.
“We are glad to note the renewed interest by Anglo American Corporation to invest in our mining sector after close to 20 years of their exit,” Hichilema stated.
He said the 3 million tons annual copper production target the government had set for itself will require partnerships with reputable mining companies like Anglo American.
He said his government remained committed to facilitating an investment environment in the mining sector that will benefit the people and help grow the economy. “To achieve the kind of win-win investment environment, continuous dialogue on policy and legal frameworks for the sector remains key.”
He said the government was working closely with the Chamber of Mines to ensure the right mining investment environment supported by the right policy and legal frameworks “for the benefit of our people”.
Anglo American has invested in Zambian mining multiple times. Following independence in 1960, its mines were nationalized. The company returned after market liberalization with its acquisition of Konkola Copper Mines in 1999 but abandoned it and exited in 2002.
In 2022, it announced a comeback through a partnership with Arc Minerals, setting its sight on North-Western Province.
