Zambia Expresses Interest in Collaborating with Nepal on Mining Exploration

Zambia’s non-resident ambassador to Nepal, Percy Patson Chanda, has expressed a keen interest in fostering cooperation between the two countries in the field of mining and mineral exploration. During a courtesy call on Industry, Commerce, and Supplies Minister Damodar Bhandari, Ambassador Chanda highlighted the similarities between Nepal and Zambia’s topographical features and emphasized Zambia’s readiness to collaborate on mining initiatives.

Minister Bhandari reciprocated the ambassador’s enthusiasm, noting that both countries share similar development challenges as least developed and landlocked nations. He emphasized the potential for fruitful cooperation in areas such as trade, agriculture, tourism, and mining.

Minister Bhandari underscored Nepal’s priority on mineral exploration and expressed optimism about the possibility of exchanging expertise with Zambia, a more advanced nation in the mining sector. He also suggested that Zambia’s strategic location could serve as a valuable gateway for Nepal to expand its relations in the African continent.

Ambassador Chanda shared that Zambia’s mining industry generates an annual turnover of approximately Rs 600 billion and boasts a skilled technical workforce. He emphasized the need for prompt collaboration between the relevant ministries in both countries to capitalize on the potential for mining cooperation.

Ram Prasad Ghimire, Director General of the Department of Mines and Geology, briefed the Zambian ambassador on Nepal’s mining and mineral resources, according to Ananda Bhatta, Minister Bhandari’s private secretary. Other Ministry officials, including Baburam Adhikari and Devraj Joshi, were also present during the meeting.