Message Jeu 2 Jan 2014 12:02

State completes mapping of minerals in Northern, Luapula pro

From KALONDE NYATI in KASAMA
GOVERNMENT is expected to issue prospecting licences for various minerals in Northern and Luapula provinces following the completion of the mapping exercise in the areas by Chinese experts.
Minister of Mines, Energy and Water Development Christopher Yaluma said Government is currently awaiting a report that will determine whether there are mineral deposits in the targeted areas before it can issue licences to potential investors to start exploration in the two provinces.
Mr Yaluma, however, said the areas have potential of gold, diamond, copper and nickel deposits but the report will determine the extent of the minerals.
“The Chinese government extended funding for the mapping of Luapula and Northern Provinces. The exercise has been done and now [we are] waiting for the data before mineral exploration can start,” he said.
He said in Kasama on Tuesday that the discovery of minerals in two provinces will supplement mineral activity in the country and increase revenue from mining.
Mr Yaluma said Government, which recently awarded oil and gas exploration licences, remains committed to support mineral exploration and that mineral sustainability is key in the economic development of the country.
He said the government will remain focused in the mining sector to enhance local participation citing the recently revised mining policy as one of the measures that will promote participation from the locals in the entire mineral value chain.
“The mining policy will give direction on the future of the mining industry in the areas of local participation in the entire value chain,” he said..