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Minister of Mines, Energy and Water Development, Christopher Yaluma, and his Commerce, Trade and Industry, counterpart Margaret Mwanakatwe, are expected to lead a high-level government delegation at the forthcoming Copperbelt Mining Trade Expo & Conference (CBM-TEC), scheduled for May 5-6 in Kitwe.
More than 1800 participants including visitors, exhibitors and conference delegates are expected to converge for CBM-TEC, the largest industry gathering of its kind in the region, which also features free, practical workshops.
“The presence of both the cabinet ministers is exciting and a true sign of the government’s commitment to not only the country’s extractive industry but also the region’s,” says CBM-TEC event director Nicole Smith.
She adds, “At our launch last year, Mr. Yaluma made a concerted effort to engage with the industry leaders who were present. He listened and responded seriously to questions. We look forward to welcoming him back.”
“We also hope that the presence of the ministers will provide an impetus to forging closer relations with the DRC, as we will welcome a delegation from Katanga province, specifically to discuss cross-border synergies.”
Integration of Zambian SMEs
According to Nicole Smith, focus at the gathering will include the need for increased involvement and integration of Zambian SMEs into the mining supply chain and “it is therefore pertinent that the presence of Mrs. Mwanakatwe, will lend gravity to this discussion.”
“The minister’s participation sends a strong signal to the industry about government creating cross sectorial linkages (i.e., between mining and commerce). Her presence is yet another confirmation that mining remains relevant to Zambia’s strong economic growth, especially in the context of the Government commitment d to amend the Tax Royalty laws,” notes Smith
CBM-TEC’s conference opening session highlights:
· Session theme: Taking the Zambian mining industry to the next level – developing a local minerals value-chain for a global industry
– Chairman: Jackson Sikamo, President, Chamber of Mines, Zambia:
· Keynote address: Strategies to create an enabling environment for mining investment in Zambia- Hon. Christopher Yaluma, Minister Ministry of Mines, Energy and Water Development, Zambia
· Special address: Synergies between mining and industry – integrating policy for win-win between all stakeholders- Hon. Margaret Mwanakatwe, Minister Ministry of Trade, Commerce and Industry, Zambia
· Mining operator’s address: Quest to promote local industrialisation – the Mopani and Zamefa partnership success– Johan Jansen, Chief Executive Officer, Mopani Copper Mines, Zambia
Strong industry support
Once again the event enjoys strong industry support and is endorsed by the Zambia Chamber of Mines and the Zambian Association of Manufacturers. The Association of Zambian Mineral Exploration Companies (AZMEC) and the Lusaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry are also supporters. Sandvik Mining is returning as platinum sponsor for the event, Barloworld Equipment and ZCCM-IH have confirmed as gold sponsors with Schlumberger Airlift signing up as a silver sponsor. Other big names on the expo floor include: Murray & Roberts, Manitou Group, Atlas Copco and Tri- Pump Engineering Ltd.
In association with the Electra Mining Africa exhibition in Johannesburg, South Africa, CBM-TEC is organised jointly by Specialised Exhibitions Montgomery and Spintelligent, leading Cape Town-based trade exhibition and conference organiser, and the African office of Clarion Events Ltd, based in the UK.
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