IF: What is the government planning to do in this area then?

MM: With technology, these issues are made simpler. Our idea as a government is to seek assistance to have aerial surveys done to detect anomalies of mineral deposits, which could be followed up with detailed geological data. If this happens, it would make things easier for investors, as we would have data packages available to pass on to them.

They could then focus on developing the mine rather than waste time and resources on geological work.

We have signed a memorandum of understanding with the Chinese Development Bank for $5 million. Through the Ministry of Land and Resources of China, we hope to undertake this work. Most investors are looking for packages. They don't want to start from the initial exploration stages.

IF: The discovery of oil and gas will open new avenues for Zambia. What is your vision on this?

MM: It is obviously desirable for us to become an oil and gas producing country. We did carry out some initial geological work, through prospecting for oil and gas and got positive results. We marketed a number of blocks and issued licenses in July.

North of our border, in Uganda, oil has been discovered. Also in the east with Tanzania, they have discovered gas.

We share the same geological formation with Uganda and Tanzania, so on that basis, we feel confident that we too should have oil and gas.

The only thing is that ours will be deeper, We also have coal and pockets of iron.

IF: Zambia has launched a series of bids for oil and gas exploration in the last few months. Could you comment on this experience?

MM: The response we had with our initial bidding round was encouraging. We attracted companies from Canada, the UK and the US.

With the next stage of exploration licenses, the bidding for the blocks will be extremely competitive. I can reveal that the first bidding was successful and we want to see it progress into exploration.

IF: Where do you see room for expansion in the mining sector for Chinese investments?

MM: The relationship between China and Africa is one of equal partnership. China has a huge market to cater to.

They have come to our rescue a few times. Chambishi Copper Mines, for example, was closed for 30 years and was not productive. Chinese investors just took it over and turned it around, after investing $100 million. They are producing copper now with impressive levels.

They did the same with the Rwansha Mine, providing stability for our government, turning it around and bringing development for the local areas.

China is a social partner. If the Rwansha mine had closed, people would have lost their jobs, they would have lost faith in the system and that would have been a recipe for instability.

We are in the process of establishing multi-facility zones. In these areas, we would like to see value addition of our copper and manganese.

Our people will have jobs that are related to these industries.