According to the Zambia Development Agency, state-owned China Nonferrous Metal Mining has invested over $2 billion and created 10,000 jobs for local Zambians in extractive industries since last September. While investment from China in Zambia seems robust, Chinese-run mines in the landlocked country have been in the news recently for less positive reasons. In February, the Zambian government revoked three licenses held by Chinese-owned Collum Coal Mine because of health, safety and environmental concerns, as well as failure to stump up mineral royalties. Mining Minister Yamfwa Mukanga said that he is currently looking for a “suitable investor” after the government took over operation of the three scandal-ridden mines. Behind the new climate is Zambia’s new President Michael Sata who was elected on a largely anti-China ticket. Last year in one of the Collum mines, a Chinese supervisor was killed during protests against poor working conditions. In 2010, two Chinese supervisors were accused of spraying bullets at local employees during another riot that resulted in a dozen injured, but charges were dropped.
Launched: 2010
Cost: $2 billion