‘Add value to copper ore locally’
By NATION REPORTER
COPPER ore processing industries on the Copperbelt should start engaging investors that can process the red metal into finished and value added products such as electric cables locally, Mines and Minerals Development Minister, Paul Kabuswe has said.
Mr Kabuswe said there was need for Zambia to start manufacturing finished copper products locally instead of importing them.
He noted that there was high demand for copper on the world market amid a boom in electric car manufacturing and the local copper ore processing industries should take advantage of that.
He explained that the dynamics on the global scene could favour Zambia as a copper producer and benefits can trickle down significantly to citizens. MrKabuswe said the time was ripe for Zambia to stop exporting copper blisters and cathodes.
He said the copper ore processing industries should instead forge partnerships and help Government attract investors who can set up industries for value addition to copper blisters and cathodes.
