Zambia - The Zambian Chamber of Mines has noted with concern the signing of a Statutory Instrument, cited as the Railways (Transportation of Heavy Goods) Regulations, 2018, to compel 30% of bulk and heavy cargo to be transported by rail. In fact, from the mines' operational perspective, it seems most likely that rail freight will be the costlier option. Furthermore, it says, currently there is no evidence to suggest that rail reliability will be superior to that of road transport. On a consolatory note, the Chamber said the mining sector would of course wholeheartedly support re-development of the Zambian railways by Government. The Zambian Chamber of Mines concluded its press statement by saying, “This SI is not symptomatic of a nation whose economic pillar is largely dependent on mining.

Source: The North Africa Journal February 08, 2018 08:26 UTC