The Zambia Chamber of Mines (ZCM) has urged Zambians to download its report on the Mineral Royalty Tax (MRT), after receiving strong endorsement by leading business personalities, who said the report would promote greater understanding of a complex issue which affects them.

Stakeholders who have welcomed its publication, saying it will help to promote informed comment, include University of Zambia School of Mines dean Dr Osbert Sikazwe, Zambia Association of Manufacturers CEO Maybin Nsupila, Private Sector Develop-ment Association chairperson Yusuf Dodia, Union Gold Investment chairperson Mark O’Donnell and Chibuluma Copper Mines country manager Jackson Sikamo.

Sikazwe says the report will help the public to understand the wider operations of the mining sector and appreciate the challenges faced by the industry.

Nsupila states that any measure intended to promote debate and understanding of the MRT is welcome.

“The discourse by many people has been on the physical contributions the sector makes to the country’s economic growth, without understanding how the linkages ultimately benefit the country. The MRT report will give people a broader and more informed perspective,” he says.

Dodia comments that the mining industry in Zambia plays a pivotal role in economic growth. He adds that, while there have been challenges on policy as well as tax changes, there has been “little or no understanding” of the challenges faced by the industry.

“The MRT report will widen debate and promote a more infor-med view,” he contends.

Further, Sikamo maintains that the report will help all stakeholders appreciate what the MRT is and what its implications on fiscal policy are. He adds that it will promote better-informed dialogues and debates, which are necessary for the country to produce equitable taxation policies.

O’Donnell welcomes the release of the report, given the competition Zambia faces from other commodity-producing countries. These include the Democratic Republic of Congo, which has “maximised the benefits realised from the mining sector, spurred by various incentives which have increased foreign direct investment”.

Additionally, Consumer Unity and Trust Society international centre coordinator Chenai Mukumba describes the release of the report as timely.

“The initiative will help ease the misunderstanding among various players, particular the citizenry, who lack information, yet are the ultimate beneficiaries of the mineral wealth.”