Forensic audit of mining firms long overdue – CSPR

The Civil Society for Poverty Reduction (CSPR) says the planned forensic audit of all mining firms by the Zambia Revenue Authority is long overdue.

CSPR Executive Director Patrick Nshindano says the audit of mining should be done with utmost urgency before the mining firms cover their tracks.

Mr. Nshindano says it is a well-known fact that aggressive tax planning is very rampant in the country and in the mining sector in particular.

Patrick Nshindano

He says it will be in the nation’s best interest to also beef up the team that will be undertaking this assignment with international tax experts such as the Tax Inspectors Without Borders, given that Zambia’s capacity despite the progress made in the recent past, remains limited to be able to adequately monitor and audit the mines.

Mr. Nshindano notes that one of the reasons why Zambia has continuously been accused of policy inconsistencies especially in the mining sector is because of the aggressive tax planning.

He says paying a fair share of taxes and royalties is essential for the mining sector to have a developmental impact.

The CSPR Executive Director has also recommended that mining firms should also be classified under national assets of national interest so as to provide jurisdiction to the Auditor General’s office to conduct audits on an annual basis.