LUSAKA - The Association of Mine Suppliers and Contractors says more than 36,000 suppliers and contractors are currently registered across Zambia's active mining sector, with approximately 70 percent being local companies benefiting from the implementation of Statutory Instrument (SI) No. 68 on Local Content.
Speaking to Phoenix News, Association President Costa Mwaba said while the organisation cannot specify the exact number of members that have directly secured mining contracts, nearly all eligible local suppliers and contractors are being onboarded to access opportunities reserved for Zambian businesses.
Mr. Mwaba said the local content policy reserves all non-core goods and services exclusively for local suppliers, while at least 25 percent of core goods and services are allocated to Zambian firms.
He noted that the policy has helped increase the participation of local businesses in the mining industry's supply chain.
Meanwhile, Mr. Mwaba has appealed to the Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development to publish compliance reports submitted by mining companies under the local content framework.
According to Mr. Mwaba, reports submitted through the local content system indicate that some mining companies are yet to fully comply with the provisions of SI No. 68.
He said making the reports public would enhance transparency and enable stakeholders to engage mining companies that are not meeting the local content requirements.
Mr. Mwaba added that greater accountability would help strengthen the implementation of the local content policy and maximise opportunities for Zambian businesses in the mining sector.
Source: Phoenix News