Strategies and discussions behind the growth of a diversified economy will be the emphasis of the 7th Zambia International Mining & Energy Conference (ZIMEC), which is being held in Lusaka from 22-23 June.
The conference is supported by the Government of Zambia, Zambia Chamber of Mines, Zambia Development Agency and Zambia Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Zambia Professional Trade Events.
Stakeholders will meet to plan the future steps needed to build a diversified economy on the foundation provided by the mining and energy sector.
At present around 70% of the Zambian economy depends on copper mining, and the Zambian government aims to diversify mining activities.
While Zambia has known copper reserves of some 20 million tonnes and is the ninth largest copper producing nation in the world, it is also internationally recognised as a major producer of high quality emeralds, aquamarines, amethyst and tourmalines.
The conference will also focus on renewable energy, with the goal of Zambia providing Africa’s cheapest solar power.
ZIMEC is sponsored by First Quantum Minerals, Fraser Alexander and Enel Green Power.
FTW will be at the conference as part of its research into the next Zambia special report, which will be published in August.