The Zambia Chamber of Miners sought government relief measures in response to the crisis

The Zambia Chamber of Mining has urged the government to engage urgently with the sector and agree on relief measures to address the issues
faced by mining companies during COVID-19.

In a statement, the chamber said it had submitted an extensive phased economic plan to the government to urgently address the economic impact
caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

"Since the outbreak of the pandemic, all mining stakeholders have been hoping for some important stimulus measures, as the world has seen
," the statement said.
”

The chamber said the proposal includes immediate relief measures, including the possibility of seeking funding
from the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank.

"This is to advise the Government on some key areas that need to be addressed
urgently," the statement said.
”

It said the proposal also includes the implementation of a fiscal system
to stimulate the economy once the COVID-19 pandemic has abated and investments are needed to rebuild the economy.

The International Monetary Fund forecast last week that Zambia's economic growth will contract from 1.
5% in 2019 to -3.
5%
in 2020 as the coronavirus hits the global economy.
Widespread power shortages have also hampered economic activity
in Zambia.

The Chamber said the situation in the industry had become very desperate, and problems with Glencore's Mopani Copper Mines were an example
of such distress.

Glencore said on Monday that it could reverse its previous decision
to close its Zambian subsidiary, Mopani, if reached with the Zambian government.