Zambian companies accused of hoarding mining licenses

Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema warned mining companies against holding licenses for speculation and said the government would enforce a “use it or lose it” policy. He said Zambia could reach annual copper production of three million metric tons by restarting stalled projects, including Konkola Copper Mines and its Konkola Deep project, expected to contribute 300,000 tonnes. Hichilema also pointed to the Kansanshi expansion, Lumwana Mine and Kitumba project, and highlighted investment in nationwide geophysical mapping and local jobs and contracts. Botswana’s Mines Minister, Bogolo Joy Kenewendo, urged African countries to process more minerals locally instead of exporting raw materials.