Kitwe, Zambia – Minister of Mines and Minerals Development, Paul Kabuswe, has sounded a strong warning to local suppliers and contractors, urging them to uphold high standards as the government continues expanding opportunities for Zambian businesses in the mining value chain.
Delivering remarks at the Mine Suppliers and Contractors Association Conference held at Garden Court Hotel in Kitwe, the minister confirmed that two mines recently went down due to the supply of poor-quality Heavy Fuel Oil (HFO), a setback he attributed to lapses among some local suppliers.
“We cannot afford a situation where mines are shutting down because Zambian suppliers are delivering substandard products,” Kabuswe said. “Two mines went down because the HFO supplied did not meet the correct specifications. This is unacceptable.”
Kabuswe stressed that while the government is committed to empowering local businesses, suppliers must equally commit to professionalism and quality.
He highlighted that in 2019, data from the African Development Bank showed that mining companies spent US$5 billion, yet Zambian suppliers captured only 2.5 percent of that amount. This, he said, was a clear sign that local participation had been historically limited.
However, the minister said the situation has changed significantly under the UPND administration, which introduced a deliberate policy and framework to prioritize local content and strengthen Zambian involvement in the mining supply chain. As a result, participation has jumped from 2.5 percent to 40 percent, marking a major milestone in economic inclusion.
“With current mining expenditure standing at around US$7 billion, Zambian suppliers and contractors are now benefiting in ways never seen before,” Kabuswe noted. “But with these opportunities comes responsibility. We need to supply the right product, the right quality, and meet the right standards.”
He urged the Mine Suppliers and Contractors Association to continue advocating for professionalism, transparency, and capacity building among members to safeguard Zambia’s growing credibility as a reliable mining partner.
The minister reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring that the mining sector becomes a true engine of local empowerment, adding that quality assurance will be central to sustaining gains achieved so far.
The conference brought together industry players, government officials, contractors, and suppliers to discuss challenges and opportunities facing Zambia’s mining supply ecosystem.
