Chinese Chamber Distances Itself from Suspended Kasempa Mines

The Chinese Chamber of Commerce has clarified that the two mining firms suspended for illegal mineral processing by the Zambian government are not its members.

On 20 August 2025, the Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development suspended operations at two Chinese operated mines in Kasempa District after discovering illegal processing of gold and copper ore. The Ministry said Sino Octascene Mine and Ken Reliable were found processing materials without the required mineral processing licenses.

Commenting on the matter in an interview on 21 August, Chamber Chief Executive Officer Eric Shen said the organisation does not support illegal activities.

“These two Chinese Companies unfortunately are not members of the Chinese Chamber of Commerce, but we have actually assigned some of our colleagues to check on the details of what’s going on there,” he said.

“Obviously we always mention that we do not support any kind of illegal activities, our members must always comply with the regulations and rule.”

Shen added that the Chamber had already begun engaging its members in the mining sector to ensure compliance. “We will see what will be done and at the same time, we are also writing to our members who are doing the same business in the mining sector to ensure that they are complying with the regulations,” he stated.

He further revealed that the Chamber recently formed subcommittees to enhance communication and oversight. “One of the committees is a mining committee and the other ones are logistical and manufacturing committees… just to make sure members adhere to regulations and also to distribute information to all the other Chinese Companies who are doing the same business here in Zambia,” Shen explained.

He concluded by saying that over the next few months, the Chamber would hold a number of engagements with the subcommittees to strengthen compliance among its members.