Ministry of Defence Permanent Secretary Mr. Maambo Haamaundu has urged African countries to beef up security and ensure they safeguard their mineral resources due to a surge in the interest of critical minerals.
Mr. Haamaundu says critical minerals bring both economic benefits and instability, depending on how their exploitation is handled.
Speaking when a delegation from the Tanzania National Defence College paid a courtesy call on him in Lusaka this morning, Mr. Haamaundu said African countries must create a stable and secure environment where mining is done in an orderly manner.
“The competition for critical minerals is very high and this is good for our economic development.
But these minerals can also lead to instability. That is why we need to make sure security is enhanced,” said Mr. Haamaundu.
He added that Zambia and Tanzania need to work together on security as the two countries are endowed with critical minerals.
Mr. Haamaundu said critical minerals are key drivers of economic growth and sustainable energy solutions and technology.
“Our two countries are endowed with a lot of minerals and we should work together and become a shining example of countries that have used critical minerals to develop their countries,” he said.
A team of students from the Tanzanian National Defence College are on a benchmarking tour of Zambia and are being led by Colonel Khaji Mtengela.
Issued by:
MINISTRY OF DEFENCE
Paul Shalala (Mr.)
Principal Public Relations Officer