State is talking to FQM and Equinox

The UK Guardian reports comments from Mines Minister Kalomo Mwansa suggesting that the government will 'discuss' new mining taxes with two mines. Whether these are negotiations on the regime is unclear. But why else would they talk? Mwansa says the two have asked for an 'explanation' on how the new windfall and variable profit taxes would be levied.

"There are a few concerns on how these taxes will be implemented and we will dialogue with two mining companies that want an explanation as they fear the taxes will affect their profits," Mwansa said. Mwansa did not say whether the government would have to waive some of the taxes.

We seem to be going round and round in circles here, with te same issues being clarified and re-clarified. Is it the applicability of both taxes simultaneously (answer: no), or the deductibility of these taxes (answer: no), that seem to me to have one word answers that have already been established. Am I being thick here? Can anyone explain, or s this just diplomatic language?