May 17, 2008

Zambia invites TATA for mining investments - Report

Live mint.com reported that the TATA group is in talks with the government of Zambia to explore iron ore and set up a steel plant in a proposed special economic zone in the African nation exclusively reserved for Indian companies.

The report quoted Mr Felix Mutati minister for commerce, trade and industry of Zambia as saying that “We will give them a mine and we are fast.”

He added that about 200 square kilometer has been identified in Kabwe in central Zambia for the India SEZ and already, 10 Indian companies have visited the country.

Mr Syamal Gupta chairman of TATA International Ltd and the Confederation of Indian Industry’s Africa committee, would not confirm TATA’s plans but said that “We are looking at all opportunities. We are exploring for coal, iron ore everywhere in the world.”

The TATA group, which began its African operations in Zambia more than 20 years ago, has diverse interests in that country, including hospitality, agriculture and in the automotive industry.