Dr. James Musonda, a social anthropologist, has called on Zambia’s President Hakainde Hichilema to take action on mining ownership. Dr. Musonda believes that President Hichilema’s entrepreneurial skills can be used to shift the current policy of having foreign investors run Zambia’s mines. Instead, Dr. Musonda suggests that Zambia should take ownership of its own mines.
Dr. Musonda has urged President Hichilema of Zambia to take action on mining ownership. He argues that the belief that Zambians are incapable of running the mines is not backed by any evidence and that the country has learned enough from past experiences to ensure a smoother operation of the mines.
Zambia’s President Hichilema is facing pressure to address the issue of mining ownership in the country. The decision to privatize the mines was made in response to failures in the mining sector, which were influenced by low global copper demand. However, with the rise of electric vehicles, copper has become one of the most sought-after minerals with good market prices. As a result, there is a growing call for the government to take action and ensure that the benefits of this valuable resource are shared more equitably among the Zambian people.
Dr. Musonda, among others, believes that the President’s business expertise can be utilized to ensure profitable operation of the country’s mining assets. It is hoped that the new administration will take action to eliminate past challenges and promote a more sustainable and profitable mining industry in Zambia.
One suggestion is to recapitalize Mopani Copper Mines instead of returning it to foreign businesses who have been accused of declaring losses and externalizing profits from mining activities. The hope is that this action will lead to greater control and benefits for Zambia’s economy.
