According to local media, including the Lusaka Times, Yaluma – who spoke to a group from South Africa’s Gauteng province earlier in November – called the practice of importing finished copper products mined in Zambia rather than manufacturing them within the country’s boundaries unacceptable. 

Exporting copper blisters, the minister added, does not give the country revenue because the materials contained disintegrate in foreign plants. Additionally, smaller miners lacking proper machinery are often exploited by larger ones who get product at lower prices.

However, integrating the new policy, which would be instituted by prohibiting the export of raw copper, could create jobs and add to revenues. 

Yaluma also told the delegation, the outlets said, that SA Capital Equipment – a member of the group in Gauteng – is looking at Zambia as a possible market, and such plans and collaborations with miners and equipment suppliers could also help to grow the industries.

SA Capital Equipment CEO Eric Bruggeman reportedly said during the meeting that it is attracted to elements of Zambia’s culture, and revealed plans to establish a hub on the copper belt province to encourage local manufacturing.