Mar 20 Nov 2012 08:49
State, Vedanta to establish Kabwe economic zone
GOVERNMENT is in talks with Vedanta’s Konkola Copper Mine (KCM) to establish a Multi-Facility Economic Zone (MFEZ) called Copper City in Kabwe district.
Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry Robert Sichinga says Government expects the zone to be a major copper processing and fabrication place.
“We have just agreed in principle and are now engaging in detailed negotiations with KCM for the establishment of a copper city,” Mr Sichinga said.
He was speaking at a press briefing in Lusaka on Thursday last week.
Mr Sichinga said Government is impressed with a “very” responsive reaction by KCM and its holding company.
Mr Sichinga commended the company and ZCCM-IH as it considers the project a responsible investment.
He said the proposed investment will help to increase added value to copper and plans to attract industries that will produce world class quality copper/mineral products in a town which is currently very depressed.
“The benefits of this proposed investment in the copper city will go far beyond Kabwe,” he said.
Mr Sichinga said Government expects the entire country to be placed at much higher level of production for finished consumer products way beyond Sothern African Development Community and Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa regions.