OPERATIONAL EXCELLENCE
80 the communities in which it operates . “ Not so much from a CSR point of view ,” he stresses . “ But improving and increasing linkages with local industry to enhance the perception of mining operations within the communities .”
Highlighting the fact that around 57 % of the world ’ s cobalt resource is located between Zambia and the DRC , Mateyo argues the region is well placed to boom from the increasing need for battery metals driven by the EV revolution . However , while the copper industry is strategically poised to benefit , he concedes much more investment is required into existing operations and assets to allow cobalt production to finally tune into global demand .
Mateyo originally trained as a lawyer and finds that his analytical approach to problem solving has helped him in his role as President of Zambia ’ s Chamber of Mines : “ My experience in the British legal system has helped in dealing with regulatory and government agencies , especially when it drives towards the marshalling of resources , as some of those discussions can be difficult and challenging .”
What are his predictions for the next 12 months and beyond ? “ Once we address the tax impasse with the government , we are going to see an exponential rise in the production of
APRIL 2019