NEWS about the government’s decision to surrender shareholding right in Kansanshi Copper Mines to First Quantum Minerals (FQM) has shocked experts in the sector. Many are asking what could have motivated this decision, considering that it clearly stands to benefit the investor, rather than Zambians, contrary to the promises that the New Dawn government gave the people. It will interest our readers to learn that this development has actually been long coming. Over six months ago, the UPND entered into negotiations with FQM which would result in our government forfeiting tax claims against the mining company. Beyond that, our government was also willing to offer some tax incentives to this particular investor. All this was happening around the time when...

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