Cho's Zambian Economist blog has an interesting discussion on the potential role of traditional authorities in the mining sector, following recommendations from the Commonwealth Parliamentarians Assocation that chiefs be more involved in the licensing process. Choo also posts a very useful history of chieftancies in general.
The Times of Zambia run the original story.
Nigerian Parliamentarian, Hycienth Nyakuma, who was in the CPA delegation which toured Konkola Copper Mines (KCM), Mopani Copper Mines (MCM) and the mines in Chambishi, said it was important to put in place legislation for traditional rulers to have authority when giving investors mining rights in areas that fell under their jurisdiction. The team had parliamentarians from South Africa, England, Malawi, Mozambique, Nigeria and Zambia. CPA chairman, Mninwa Mahlangu, said in Solwezi that the multi-million dollar Lumwana project in North-Western Province has proved that Africa can look after itself. Mr Mahlangu, of South Africa, said yesterday after the tour of Lumwana that the mine gave African spirit because it involved many countries.
"The mine has given a stake to African countries; this gives African spirit and flavour and it shows that as Africans we can look after ourselves." He said he was impressed that while big companies tended to bring own workforce, Lumwana Mining Company had created a database of the local people who were given top priority for jobs.
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