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Mines and Mining Development DeputyMinister Freddy Moyo

Pamela Shumba Senior Reporter
ZIMBABWE and Zambia are set to co-host an African Union (AU) conference for ministers responsible for mineral resources starting on Saturday.
The first extraordinary session of the fourth AU conference of ministers responsible for mineral resources development will be held in Victoria Falls and Livingstone from November 22 to 26.

Mines and Mining Development Deputy Minister Fred Moyo yesterday confirmed that the two countries will co-host the meeting but referred further questions to his Permanent Secretary Professor Francis Gudyanga who was, however not immediately reachable.

Preparations for the conference are at an advanced stage, with representatives from both countries working together to make the event a success.

The ministers are expected to discuss critical issues that include ways to transform Africa’s minerals sector as well as optimal exploitation of the continent’s natural resources.

They are also expected to discuss how African States can benefit from the development and implementation of coherent licensing, contracting, taxation and regulatory frameworks.

The conference is also expected to come up with ways to increase regional mapping and exploration activities to upgrade mineral inventories as well as promote local beneficiation, value addition and small-scale mining.