Chinese Mining Companies Launch Association to Strengthen Zambia’s Mining Sector
Chinese mining companies operating in Zambia have officially launched the Chinese Mining Enterprises Association in Zambia (CMEAZ), aiming to enhance their role in the country’s mining industry.
The launch event, held on Tuesday, was attended by Chinese Ambassador to Zambia Han Jing, senior Zambian government officials, and representatives from Chinese mining firms.
Ambassador Han praised the creation of CMEAZ as a major milestone in Sino-Zambian relations, which have been strengthened by Chinese investments dating back to the 1998 development of the Chambishi copper mine. He highlighted that over 20 Chinese mining companies in Zambia have invested a total of $3.5 billion, contributed over $260 million in taxes in 2023, and provide employment to more than 15,000 Zambians.
The CMEAZ also operates a skills training center that trains around 1,000 local workers annually, supporting the growth of Zambia’s workforce.
CMEAZ Chairperson Li Zhanyan reaffirmed the association’s commitment to Zambia’s mining goals, emphasizing its role in helping the country meet its target of producing three million tons of copper annually by 2031. He also announced plans to invest an additional $5 billion in Zambia’s mining sector over the next five years.
Zambia’s Minister of Mines and Minerals Development, Paul Kabuswe, represented by Tobias Musonda, expressed strong support for the formation of CMEAZ, calling it a pivotal step in deepening Zambia-China mining cooperation. Musonda emphasized that the association would foster business partnerships, improve government-corporate collaboration, and contribute to Zambia’s efforts to increase copper production, ultimately strengthening bilateral relations between the two nations.
