Environment & Legislation: Zambia Cabinet approves changes to controversial mining royalties

The Cabinet of Zambia approved changes to controversial mining royalties on Monday after the finance and mines ministers proposed amendments, the president’s spokesperson said. “This follows extensive consultations with the mining industry in the light of significant changes in the fundamental assumptions upon which the law was based and the sudden fall in the price of copper,” the presidency said in a statement.

Zambian President Edgar Lungu last month directed the finance and mining ministers to change royalties on mining firms by April 8, saying Africa’s second biggest copper producer could consider temporarily reverting to tax regime of 2014. Zambia in January hiked royalties for open pit mines to 20% from 6% and those for underground mines to 8% from 6%, provoking an outcry from the industry.

Zambia’s cabinet will propose details of the changes next Monday before their presentation to parliament for approval. Mining firms operating in Zambia include Glencore, Barrick Gold Corp, Vedanta Resources and Canada’s First Quantum Minerals.(Miningweekly)