Zambia to support mining industry in Nepal

KATHMANDU: Zambia’s non-resident ambassador to Nepal, Percy Patson Chanda, has expressed a commitment to providing technical support for the mining and exploration of minerals in Nepal.

The Zambian envoy made this statement during a courtesy call on Minister for Industry, Commerce, and Supplies Damodar Bhandari today.

In the meeting held at the Ministry, Ambassador Chanda noted that Nepal and Zambia share similar topographical features and that the Zambian government is ready to collaborate on mining exploration between the two countries.

Minister Bhandari commented that both countries are least developed and landlocked, thus facing similar challenges and development goals.

He added that there is significant potential for both nations to share experiences, particularly in trade, agriculture, tourism, and the mining industry.

“Nepal has prioritized mineral exploration, and there is potential for cooperation with Zambia in this sector, as Zambia is more advanced in mining,” he said.

The Minister also suggested that Zambia could serve as a key base for Nepal in expanding its relations within the African continent due to Zambia’s location.

Additionally, Zambia could benefit socially, culturally, and geographically from Nepal’s diverse geography and cultural potential.

Ambassador Chanda revealed that Zambia’s mining industry has an annual turnover of at least Rs 600 billion and a highly skilled technical workforce.

“There is significant potential in Nepal’s mining and mineral industry. Cooperation between Zambia and Nepal should commence soon, establishing coordination between the concerned ministries of both countries,” Ambassador Chanda said.

Director General of the Department of Mines and Geology, Ram Prasad Ghimire, briefed the Zambian ambassador on Nepal’s mining sector, according to Ananda Bhatta, Minister Bhandari’s private secretary.

Also present at the meeting were Chief of the Bilateral Trade Division and spokesperson Baburam Adhikari, and Chief of the Multi-sectoral Trade Division, Devraj Joshi, among other Ministry officials.