By SHARON ZULU
THE Advocates for National Development and Democracy (ANDD) is concerned that the mining sector contribution to the countries socio-economic has not been laudable.
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ANDD Executive Director, Samuel Banda says despite the worrying reality, his organisation is, however, elated to note that government has declared sugilite, gold and copper as national strategic assets.
Mr. Banda says that this policy direction has stirred hope and is a step towards optimizing economic benefits from the mining sector.
He hopes that investment in the mining sector will now increase because depending on copper as the only strategic mineral will no longer be the narrative.
He adds that, government should monitor these mines not only for tax evasion purposes or job creation, but to equally create a level playing field that will facilitate for local people to have a voice so that mineral resources are well protected and distributed.
Mr. Banda has therefore urged government to create an enabling policy environment that should transcend beyond getting tax or promoting jobs.
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