– Hub to be pioneering centre for innovation, collaboration within mining industry
MWAKA LENGALENGA
Lusaka
THE United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has unveiled plans to establish a state-of-the-art mining technology (MinTech) hub in the country, with an investment surpassing US$6 million.
The MinTech hub is envisioned as a pioneering centre for innovation and collaboration within the mining industry, with a primary focus on harnessing technology to enhance sustainability, efficiency, and safety in mining operations.
This groundbreaking initiative was revealed by UNDP regional director for Africa Ahunna Eziakonwa during discussions at the Timbuktoo Retreat Strategy held at Vergenoegd Low Estate in Cape Town, South Africa.
Ms Eziakonwa highlighted that Zambia was not initially slated to benefit from the investment. However, following a recent meeting with President Hakainde Hichilema, the decision was made to extend the initiative to Zambia.
“President Hichilema’s commitment towards making Zambia an industrial hub and the potential the country has in mining changed UNDP’s course of action… this is important to the growth of the mining sector not only in Zambia, but on the continent as a whole,” she said.
Ms Eziakonwa underscored the importance of Zambia’s inclusion, citing the opportunity for the country to emerge as a centre of excellence in Africa for maximising the value of its mineral resources, particularly critical minerals vital for powering electric vehicles and advancing decarbonisation efforts.
She added that UNDP is working with partners to support investment in the construction of equipment that is required for the hub to take off.
“We will front a lot of technical capacities that are needed and we will bring in some equipment and we hope the private sector, particularly those in the mining sector, will come on board because this will benefit them hugely,” Ms Eziakonwa said.
And Minister of Technology and Science Felix Mutati said the establishment of a MinTech hub in Zambia is in line with the Government’s policy on promoting value addition.
“We are the major producers of a variety of minerals but specifically copper. Our policy has always been value addition to the minerals we produce and we want to take that value addition to produce
EV batteries, and that requires technology and research. Therefore, the MinTech hub will create solutions in the mining sector that will enhance productivity and help the country realise its full benefits from its rich mineral resource,” Mr Mutati said.
And former Nigerian vice-president Yemi Osinbajo said Zambia has shown tremendous leadership in the mining sector and the establishment of a mining hub will leverage existing investments in the sector.
Professor Osinbajo noted that this presents a huge opportunity to Zambian young innovators to service the mining sector, as it will bring together stakeholders from Government, industry, academia, and civil society to share knowledge, develop solutions, and promote best practices in the mining sector…https://enews.daily-mail.co.zm/welcome/home
