BUUMBA CHIMBULU writes
@SunZambian
GOVERNMENT should urgently consider calling for a local mining indaba so as to deliberate on several matters affecting the mining industry, says Centre for Trade Policy and Development (CTPD) Executive Director, Isaac Mwaipopo.
Mr Mwaipopo expressed concern at the deteriorating relationship between the Government and some players within the extractives sector
He attributed this development to several factors among which might include the recently introduced tax changes that had not been welcomed by several mining players.
“There are also growing concerns and fears among mining companies on the decrease of prices for commodities such as Copper on the International market due to the COVID -19 pandemic,” Mr Mwaipopo said in a statement.
CTPD, he said, therefore urged Government and the mining players to address their grievances through the right channel and amicably find a solution that would be in the best interest of both parties.
Mr Mwaipopo said this process could also be opened to include other experts in the industry that would be interested in rendering their services as a way of helping to improve the deteriorating relationship.
He stressed the need to get to the discussion table and work around resolving the issues that may still be affecting both sides in the interest of development.
“Although, both parties have legitimate concerns, we think that resolving these challenges is not something that can be done by exchanging positions in the media.
The Civil Society equally stands ready to render any support towards ensuring this dialogue takes place because failure to address these problems could negatively impact the country’s economic development,” Mr Mwaipopo said.
