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Governance and Development Advocates Zambia (GODAZA) has praised plans by Sino Metals to invest about 200 million dollars in the Samba Mine project in Kalulushi District, Copperbelt Province. The advocacy group described the project as a new lifeline for the local economy and a strong signal of foreign investor confidence in Zambia’s mining sector.
The Executive Director of GODAZA, Mr. Elias Mulenga, said construction of the mine is scheduled to begin in 2025, with operations expected to start before the end of 2027. He explained that Sino Metals has already shown commitment to the development of the Copperbelt through job creation, tax payments, community development, and environmental accountability.
According to him, Sino Metals is now the single largest private employer in Kalulushi District. The company has created over 2,000 jobs for local people, offering stable employment and contributing to poverty reduction in the mining communities. Mulenga noted that this level of job creation is not only transforming livelihoods but also boosting consumer spending and business activity across the district.
Sino Metals has also paid a significant amount in taxes to the Zambian government, with records showing about 200 million dollars remitted so far. Mulenga said this has generated substantial revenue for the state, strengthening the country’s fiscal position at a time when Zambia is trying to balance its debt obligations with the need to finance infrastructure and social projects.
On environmental accountability, the GODAZA Executive Director pointed out that Sino Metals has paid over K16.2 million as compensation to 507 farmers who were affected by pollution in its areas of operation. This, he said, is a rare move in the mining sector and shows the company’s willingness to take responsibility for its impact on the environment and livelihoods.
He also revealed that Sino Metals has donated more than 300,000 dollars towards community development, particularly in education and social projects. The donations have supported schools, scholarships, and local community programs, which Mulenga said will leave a lasting impact on young people and future generations in the Copperbelt Province.
Mulenga stressed that Sino Metals’ activities have contributed significantly to the development of Copperbelt Province, particularly in Kitwe and Kalulushi, where the company has active operations. He said the benefits of the company’s investment are visible in improved living standards, increased business opportunities, and stronger local government revenue.
However, Mulenga warned that Zambia must carefully manage its bilateral relationships in light of global tensions. He expressed concern over the geopolitical competition between China and the United States of America, saying Zambia and its people must not be used as pawns in the rivalry between the two superpowers.
He stressed that Zambia values its bilateral relationships with both China and the United States and that these partnerships must be handled in a way that protects Zambia’s sovereignty and economic interests. Mulenga urged the government to ensure that the interests of people in the Copperbelt Province are protected, and that Sino Metals’ operations are not disrupted by external political factors.
According to him, Sino Metals has become a beacon of development in the Copperbelt, and the jobs, revenues, and social investments it has provided should not be put at risk. He called on the Zambian government to take strong measures to protect these investments and ensure that the company operates in a stable and predictable environment.
Mulenga said the government must guarantee that the over 2,000 jobs created by Sino Metals are secured, and that the investments already made in the Samba Mine project are preserved. He argued that this is the only way to maintain investor confidence and encourage more foreign companies to invest in Zambia’s mining sector, which is the backbone of the country’s economy.
The mining industry remains one of the largest contributors to Zambia’s GDP, foreign exchange earnings, and employment. With the Samba Mine project set to begin in 2025, Mulenga said the government has an opportunity to showcase its commitment to creating an investor-friendly environment that balances local development, environmental standards, and international cooperation.
