HH meets IRH CEO on sidelines of Abu Dhabi visit

President Hakainde Hichilema has engaged in high-level economic diplomacy during his working visit to Abu Dhabi, holding crucial talks with Mr. Ali Rashed Alrashdi, Chief Executive Officer of International Resources Holding (IRH). The discussions underscore the administration's ongoing commitment to revitalizing Zambia's critical mining sector through robust international partnerships. IRH, a prominent mining vertical of Abu Dhabi's International Holding Company, holds a controlling stake in Mopani Copper Mines alongside Zambia's state-owned ZCCM-IH. The meeting focused on tracking the progress of ongoing operational revivals at Mopani, which has seen substantial capital injections aimed at boosting output and securing long-term operational stability on the Copperbelt. Since securing its partnership with ZCCM-IH, IRH has committed extensive resources to modernize infrastructure, expand underground development, and secure jobs for thousands of Zambian mineworkers. President Hichilema emphasized that sustainable resource extraction must go hand-in-hand with tangible local economic benefits, job creation, and enhanced technological transfer. Industry observers note that this high-level engagement highlights Lusaka's aggressive push to position Zambia as a premier destination for global green-energy capital. With global demand for copper surging in response to the worldwide transition toward renewable energy and electric mobility, maximizing Mopani's production capacity is vital to achieving the government's ambitious national target of reaching three million tonnes of annual copper production. Both leaders reviewed developmental milestones and mapped out strategic priorities for the next phase of the mine's expansion. Furthermore, the discussions touched upon broader areas of economic cooperation between Zambia and the United Arab Emirates, reflecting the growing ties under President Hichilema's administration. The government continues to champion transparent, mutua