Zambia still investing in mining

It is not all doom and gloom in the mining sector, with several projects still on the go across the continent. Ruth Butcher, director of business development for Beyond Africa Logistics Consultants, says now more than ever logistics service providers need to keep up to date with developments to ensure they are able to access the opportunities out there. “The mining sector has definitely seen a decrease in activity but that does not mean it has come to a standstill,” said Butcher. “Countries like Zambia are still investing in their mining and in East Africa there are also many opportunities that can be exploited by local logistics operators.” African expert Duncan Bonnett of Whitehouse & Associates agrees, saying that while the drop in the copper price has affected operations, activity in Zambia is still strong. Countries like Ethiopia in East Africa are also working hard to increase their mining activity and have invested heavily in power supply systems and other infrastructure. According to Butcher, it is all about being innovative in one’s approach while also having a presence in the various regions where mining is still active. “There is no doubt that the operating landscape in the mining industry at present is very competitive and therefore it is essential that one is on top of one’s own game at all times and informed about the developments in the different countries.” She said logistics into Africa had in recent times become more about innovation and the ability to deliver solutions in challenging environments. “In the mining sector at present this is truer than ever before in light of the pressure and challenges it faces on the continent.” INSERT & CAPTION It is all about being innovative in one’s approach while also having a presence in the various regions where mining is still active. – Ruth Butcher