By NATION REPORTS Too many mining companies are evading their tax obligations, U.S ambassador to Zambia Michael Gonzales has said. He said the mining sector, which generated more than 75 percent of Zambia’s export earnings and 40 percent of government revenue, was plagued by corrupt practices, including bribery, tax evasion, and environmental degradation. In a speech delivered at the Transparency International Zambia (TI-Z) 2024 Anti-Corruption Conference in Kitwe yesterday, he emphasised the need for transparency and accountability in the mining sector. “We know some companies seek to evade their tax and royalty obligations, which robs Zambian citizens of resources that it needs to invest in long-term economic and social development.’ He said. He added that the Auditor General’s 2023 Report revealed that 259 mining companies that did not file mineral royalty declarations were still able to obtain export permits for critical minerals worth more than 14 billion kwacha – or USD 530 million. Requiring these […]
