• Grizzly mining has been willing to procure mining equipment in the tune of $10 million.
• Emerald mining requires.
• The Association is ready to expedite the formation of cooperatives.

Emerald and Semi-Precious Stones Mining Association of Zambia (ESMAZ) says Lufwanyama emerald restricted area has great potential to contribute to the country’s development.

Speaking to Money FM News, Association President Victor Kalesha noted that the emerald restricted area lacks proper Geological information, mining equipment and operating capital.

Mr. Kalesha is however optimistic that the challenges will come to an end once the Association signs a Memorandum of Understanding with Grizzly Mining and government, as the firm has been willing to procure mining equipment valued at US$10 million as a loan to small scale miners.

He disclosed that the Association has been engaging Grizzly Mining Limited on how to develop the Emerald sector so that it can contribute effectively to the national treasury from small scale to large scale.

Mr. Kalesha said small-scale miners are ready to demonstrate resilience, patience, discipline and acquire proper management and technical skills as the Association engages in talks with Grizzly mining and government.

“Grizzly mining has been willing to procure mining equipment in the tune of $10 million as a loan to small scale miners. There can never be any better news than this for Emerald small scale miners and government.”

“We currently have only two emerald giants, Grizzly mining limited and Kagem mining limited respectively contributing to the national treasury in terms of taxes. The two giants are also instrumental in providing corporate social responsibilities though Grizzly takes an upper hand,” Mr. Kalesha said.

Mr. Kalesha added that Emerald mining requires patience as production is not instant and can take a long period before it is realized to profitable levels.

He further stated that if the initiative between Grizzly and the Association materializes, a lot of jobs will be created for the youth of Lufwanyama and more revenue going into government coffers.

“As President, I would be quick to say that emerald mining is capital intensive and sometimes with a lot of uncertainties if you don’t put certain modalities in place. And this is one major reason we are confident that dealing with Grizzly mining will yield positive results because they have gained a lot of experience in emerald mining as well as very well trained and experienced expertise.”

Meanwhile, Mr. Kalesha said the Association is ready to expedite the formation of cooperatives and ultimately amalgamate into units as guided by government.

“We have been asked as small-scale miners to expedite the formation of cooperatives and ultimately amalgamate into units to allow Grizzly and government not to deal with a fragmented lot and to some extent we are ready to do that though others are skeptical. For those who are ready we are moving on as a trail pilot project,” he stated.