The Zambia Public Policy Institute of Zambia has called on government to consider reversing the decision to introduce a fifteen percent export duty on precious metals.

The precious metals include gold, precious stones and gemstones.

Institute President Fabian Chewe tells Money FM News from Kitwe that this will discourage exports of the precious metals.

Mr. Chewe says the government should be promoting exports as opposed to restricting it as Zambia earns a lot from exports.

He says the government should consider engaging the miners in this sector so as to find a solution as this law will affect Zambia’s exports.

“This decision to introduce 15% export duty on precious metals including gold, precious stones and gemstones, will affect export. With this new law, I must be honest I have a bone to chew with that tax,” he said.

Mr. Chewe says he is in support of other tax changes but not with the 15% export duty on precious stones.