Japan has granted Zambia about $1.2 million to procure laboratory equipment for the Geological Survey Department. This funding is part of an Economic and Social Development Programme aimed at enhancing mineral analysis capabilities, expected to boost exploration and mining activities and support poverty reduction. Minister of Finance emphasized improvements in equipment will aid geological survey accuracy and attract further investments.
Japan has extended a grant of approximately $1.2 million (ZMW 33.6 million) to Zambia for the enhancement of mineral analysis capabilities within the Geological Survey Department, which operates under the Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development. The two nations have officially signed and exchanged notes regarding this initiative, focusing on the procurement of Mineral Analysis Instruments as part of the Economic and Social Development Programme.
During the signing ceremony held in Lusaka, the Japanese Ambassador to Zambia, Takeuchi Kazuyuki, emphasized that this grant will significantly enhance mineral analysis capabilities and modernize geological data. Ambassador Kazuyuki articulated that the anticipated improvements in exploration and mining activities would lead to increased national tax revenues and enhanced poverty alleviation efforts.
Finance Minister Situmbeko Musokotwane remarked that the funding will facilitate the acquisition of advanced mining equipment for the Ministry of Mines, thereby bolstering the Geological Survey Department’s capacity. He stated that the introduction of this new technology would enhance the precision and efficiency of geological surveys, resulting in increased investments in the mining sector.
Additionally, JICA Chief Representative Tateyama Jotaro noted that this grant serves as a complementary measure to ongoing Human Resource Development initiatives. He highlighted that this has previously enabled seven officials and researchers from the Ministry of Mines to successfully complete studies in Japan.
In conclusion, Japan’s $1.2 million grant to Zambia represents a significant investment aimed at enhancing the mineral analysis capabilities of the Geological Survey Department. By procuring advanced laboratory equipment, this initiative is expected to facilitate improved mineral exploration and mining activities, thus fostering economic growth, increasing tax revenues, and contributing to poverty alleviation efforts within the country.
Original Source: znbc.co.zm
