Copperbelt Mining Trade Expo & Conference to Welcome Zambian Mining and Trade Ministers in Kitwe in May

Kitwe, Zambia, April 19, 2015 --(PR.com)-- The Zambian minister of Mines, Energy and Water Development, the Hon. Christopher Yaluma, and the country’s minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry, the Hon. Margaret Mwanakatwe, will head up a high-level government delegation at the upcoming Copperbelt Mining Trade Expo & Conference (CBM-TEC), taking place in Kitwe from 5-6 May.

More than 1500 visitors, 100 exhibitors and 200 conference delegates are expected to gather for CBM-TEC this year at what is the largest industry gathering of its kind in the region. The expo also features free, practical workshops.

“The presence of both the Zambian mining and trade ministers at the Copperbelt Mining Trade Expo & Conference is both exciting and a true sign of this government’s commitment to not only this country’s extractive industry but also the region’s,” says CBM-TEC event director Nicole Smith.

She adds, “At our launch event last year, the minister of Mines Yaluma made a concerted effort to engage with the industry leaders who were present. He listened and responded seriously to questions. We look forward to welcoming him back.”

She adds, “We also hope that the presence of both ministers will provide an impetus to forging closer relations with the DRC Copperbelt as we will welcome a delegation from DRC’s Katanga province at the event, specifically to discuss cross-border synergies.”

Integration of Zambian SMEs
According to Nicole Smith, an important focus at the event is also the increased involvement and integration of Zambian SMEs into the mining supply chain and “it is therefore pertinent that the presence of the Commerce, Trade and Industry minister, the Hon. Margaret Mwanakatwe, will lend gravity to this discussion.”

The CBM-TEC director adds: “The minister’s participation sends a strong signal to the industry about government creating cross sectorial linkages (i.e, between mining and commerce). Her presence furthermore is yet another confirmation that mining remains relevant to Zambia’s strong economic growth, especially in the context of the Government conceding to amend the Tax Royalty laws.”

CBM-TEC’s conference opening session highlights:
· Session theme: Taking the Zambian mining industry to the next level – developing a local minerals value-chain for a global industry
- Chairman: Jackson Sikamo, President, Chamber of Mines, Zambia:

· Keynote address: Strategies to create an enabling environment for mining investment in Zambia
- Hon. Christopher Yaluma, Minister Ministry of Mines, Energy and Water Development, Zambia

· Special address: Synergies between mining and industry – integrating policy for win-win between all stakeholders
- Hon. Margaret Mwanakatwe, Minister Ministry of Trade, Commerce and Industry, Zambia

· Mining operator’s address: Quest to promote local industrialisation – the Mopani and Zamefa partnership success
- Johan Jansen, Chief Executive Officer, Mopani Copper Mines, Zambia

Strong industry support
Once again the event enjoys strong industry support and is endorsed by the Zambia Chamber of Mines and the Zambian Association of Manufacturers. The Association of Zambian Mineral Exploration Companies (AZMEC) and the Lusaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry are also supporters. Sandvik Mining is returning as platinum sponsor for the event, Barloworld Equipment and ZCCM-IH have confirmed as gold sponsors with Schlumberger Airlift signing up as a silver sponsor. Other big names on the expo floor include: Murray & Roberts, Manitou Group, Atlas Copco and Tri- Pump Engineering Ltd.

In association with the Electra Mining Africa exhibition in Johannesburg, South Africa, CBM-TEC is organised jointly by Specialised Exhibitions Montgomery and Spintelligent, leading Cape Town-based trade exhibition and conference organiser, and the African office of Clarion Events Ltd, based in the UK.

CBM-TEC dates and location:
5-6 May: Conference and exhibition
Location: Mist Gardens, Kitwe, Zambia