SILUMESI MALUMO writes
A Zambian-owned firm, Alinani Precious Metals, is set to invest US$10 million in the country’s gold-mining sector.
Chief executive officer, Bupe Chipando, said that Zambians must be allowed to manage the mines on large scale, stating that the country’s rich mineral deposits were the backbone of the economy.
Mr Chipando is the founder of Alinani Precious Metals, a mining company based in East Africa.
The firm has over the years established itself as in important player in gold mining, refinery, and smelter across Africa.
Alinani Precious Metals Ltd is registered under First Group of Companies in Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania, with First Line Capital as an investment company.
First Commodity Exchange works as a market platform while First Cargo Logistics provides transportation products under one umbrella.
In an interview yesterday, Mr Chipando said that a gold mine in the hands of the local people would grant investments returns to build schools, hospitals and roads in the country.
“We need to talk and dialogue with the Government, for we know our Government is willing to listen to us.
“Alinani Precious Metals, as a Zambian owned company if given a chance, we are willing to pledge between US$5 million to US$10 million as an investment in the vast gold mining sector. We are confident that this is something we can implement,” Mr Chipando said.
Mr Chipando said his firm had the capacity of producing and refining about 300 kilogrammes of gold per day with the modern state of the art equipment and machinery.
He said if given an opportunity to invest in the gold mining, it would create decent jobs and reduce unemployed levels in the coun
“Besides providing jobs to the unemployed Zambian graduates, we pledge to enrol vibrant community social responsibility programs which will be mandated to give back to the community by participating in the developmental activities of the area.
“We pledge to build hospitals, schools, roads, sports facilities and other developmental activities,” he said.
Mr Chipando said it was high time that Zambians were given the opportunity and platform to own, operate and run the vast mining industry for the benefit of the local people.
“We want to prove that we have the expertise and manpower to control our own mining industry which will consequently have great economic and social benefits to the Zambians as it is no secret that mining forms the backbone of the Zambian economy,” Mr Chipando said.
He said given a chance, his vast experience in the gold mining industry as well as his commitment to invest 10 million dollars would have a great impact to the entire Zambian country.
