STORY: Zambia launches 340 mln USD phosphate plant to boost fertilizer production
SHOOTING TIME: Jan. 24, 2025
DATELINE: Jan. 26, 2025
LENGTH: 00:02:26
LOCATION: CHILANGA, Zambia
CATEGORY: ECONOMY

SHOTLIST:
1. various of the ceremony
2. SOUNDBITE 1 (English): JIN JUN, Counselor at the Chinese Embassy in Zambia
3. various of the ceremony
4. SOUNDBITE 2 (English): SHASHANK MEHTA, Board Member of the Sino Great Chemicals Company Limited
5. various of the ceremony
6. SOUNDBITE 3 (English): CHIPOKA MULENGA, Zambia's Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry

STORYLINE:

A groundbreaking ceremony was held on Friday in Zambia's Chilanga district, Lusaka Province, to mark the construction of a plant that will transform the country's phosphate resources into high-value industrial and agricultural products.

The integrated phosphate product plant is a joint venture between China's Sino Great Group, through its subsidiary Sino Great Chemical Company Limited, and Zambia's Wonderful Group of Companies Limited. The plant will be located within a 1,000-hectare industrial park established by the Wonderful Group.

The first phase of the project, with an investment of 340 million U.S. dollars, is expected to produce 250,000 tonnes of phosphoric acid, 750,000 tonnes of gypsum, and 300,000 tonnes of ammonium phosphate annually once completed.

Jin Jun, counselor at the Chinese Embassy in Zambia, said the plant is a significant achievement in cooperation between China and Zambia. He emphasized that the project aligns with Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema's call for value addition, job creation and the introduction of advanced technologies.

SOUNDBITE 1 (English): JIN JUN, Counselor at the Chinese Embassy in Zambia
"The construction of this plant will effectively change the situation. When it is completed, the plant can directly use local phosphate, rock, and sulphur as raw materials to produce fertilizer. By that time, Zambia can not only enjoy increase of foreign exchange earnings and economic growth but drive the development of neighboring countries."

Shashank Mehta, speaking on behalf of Zhang Quan, chairperson of Sino Great Chemicals Company Limited, reaffirmed the company's commitment to establishing a sustainable and efficient phosphate chemicals supply chain in Zambia.

SOUNDBITE 2 (English): SHASHANK MEHTA, Board Member of the Sino Great Chemicals Company Limited
"The momentous occasion signifies the realization of an industrial partnership between Sino Group of China and Wonderful Group of Zambia, the joint promoters of this transformative project. What we are witnessing today, is not just the start of a construction project. It is a leap forward, unlocking the vast potential of Zambia's natural resources through value addition."

During the construction period, the project will employ 2,000 workers, with 1,600 direct jobs and 10,500 indirect jobs expected once the plant becomes fully operational. The company also plans to develop a phosphate rock mine in eastern Zambia and build a 40-megawatt power plant to ensure a sustainable electricity supply.

Mehta said that the company will launch the second phase of the project after completing the first phase in June next year, aiming to expand the plant's production capacity.

Zambian Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry Chipoka Mulenga commended the investors for choosing Zambia and noted the significance of the project.

SOUNDBITE 3 (English): CHIPOKA MULENGA, Zambia's Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry
"This is a demonstration of being pan-Africans, being committed to the well-being of one and the other within the region, through the support of the partnership that comes as a form of investment from the People's Republic of China in Zambia."

Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Chilanga, Zambia.
(XHTV)