ANDD MAINTAINS THAT MOPANI MINE DEAL SHOULD HAVE PASSED THROUGH PARLIAMENT FOR SCRUTINY
…..Article 210 of the Constitution explicitly requires any disposal, sale, or transfer of state assets to pass through Parliament for approval
Lusaka…. November 29, 2024, Lusaka
The Advocates For National Development and Democracy (ANDD) has reiterated its position that the Mopani Copper Mine deal with Delta Company should have been subjected to parliamentary approval to ensure transparency, accountability, and integrity in the transaction process.
Speaking during an interview at Lusaka Radio, ANDD emphasized that Article 210 of the Zambian Republican Constitution explicitly requires any disposal, sale, or transfer of state assets to pass through Parliament for scrutiny and approval.
The organization has urged the Minister of Mines and Minerals Development, Hon. Paul Kabuswe, to avoid arrogance and address the alleged illegality surrounding the Mopani transaction.
ANDD Executive Director Samuel Banda insists that rectifying these concerns is essential for safeguarding public trust and ensuring accountability in the management of state resources.
Banda revealed that his organization is conducting a comprehensive study on the current state of investments in the Copperbelt region.
“The research will particularly assess the progress at Konkola Copper Mines (KCM) since Vedanta Resources officially resumed operations at the mining asset. Key focus areas of the study include recapitalization of the mining asset, job creation and employment opportunities, business opportunities for Zambians and the level of community engagement by Vedanta Resources,” he stated.
Banda stressed that this initiative is not aimed at antagonizing Vedanta but rather at promoting transparency and fostering a mutually beneficial partnership between the investor, the Zambian government, and local communities.
“We firmly believe that holding investors accountable to their commitments builds trust and ensures that the wealth generated from our natural resources translates into improved livelihoods for all Zambians,” he added.
“The findings of the research will be shared with key stakeholders, including government authorities, community leaders, civil society organizations, and the media, to promote informed decision-making and encourage dialogue on improving KCM’s operations. This initiative forms part of ANDD’s broader mission to advocate for inclusive development and responsible investment in Zambia’s mining sector.”
The ANDD Executive Director called on all stakeholders to support this initiative and work collaboratively to transform KCM into a model of sustainable development and accountability.
“By doing so, Zambia can ensure that its mining sector contributes meaningfully to the nation’s long-term prosperity,” he concluded.