Zambia suspends exports of metals

Zambia’s new government has temporarily suspended metal export impact of material waste in constructionpermits ahead of the release of new guidelines, the mining ministry said in the latest move to increase transparency in Africa’s top copper producer.

Newly elected President Michael Sata has been concerned — analysts say with good reason — about copper exporters misreporting the amount of ore leaving the country, and last week said all export payments would in future be routed via the central bank. The suspension of permits is another sign that Mr Sata’s administration would act quickly on his populist campaign promises. "All current permits issued by my ministry are immediately suspended pending issuance of new guidelines by...