Q FM Africa's Modern Radio
The Jesuit Centre for Theological Reflection (JCTR) says the continued steady rise in copper prices on the International market should act as an eye-opener to government not to be coaxed by the Mines to pay less tax.
The price of copper on the international market has risen by about US$500 from last month’s price of US$5500 per metric ton.
JCTR Executive Director Leonard Chiti says such improvement in the price of Copper obviously means that Mines will be making profits.
Leonard Chiti
Father Chiti has told Qfm News by telephone that the JCTR expects Mines to start paying taxes commensurate to their profits.
He says to this effect, he is challenging Mine Houses in the country to be honest and transparent in doing so.
The JCTR Executive Director adds that this is also a point at which government should come in to ensure there is honesty and transparency on the part of the mines.
Fr Chiti notes that if government is not proactive, the country will continue getting a raw deal from the mines and the people of Zambia in general will be shortchanged because there will be very little money available to invest in developmental projects.