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listed company with a portfolio of projects in
Zambia.
Founded by Zambian-born Nkandu Beltz,
Beltz Mining was created to provide a bridge
between Australian capital and Zambian pro-
ject developers.
Nkandu was born in Zambia’s Copperbelt
province and also lived in Orapa, Botswana,
another famed mining town. Having seen the
impact – both positive and negative – mining
could have on African communities, she be-
lieves both sides could benefit from greater
linkages between Australia and Africa.
“I moved to Australia in 2005 but it was after
I moved to Perth in 2016 and began interview-
ing African ministers around Africa Down Un-
der that I recognised the gap in this space for
entrepreneurs that were either female and/or of African heritage,” Nkandu Beltz
Nkandu told Paydirt. “I always look at challenges as opportunity
and it became a no-brainer to put together a company which could That gives us confidence in what we are doing.”
act as a bridge between Australia and Africa, linking investors in And, her advice for others considering a similar venture.
Australia with project vendors in Africa.” “Mining is an inherently risky business and if you are putting mon-
Rather than act as a conduit, Nkandu decided to take the oppor- ey in, you must ensure you put yours in first because losing other
tunity herself, pegging ground on the Zambian copper belt near her people’s money loses you credibility quickly,” she said. “Make good
hometown of Ndola, once the mining capital of Zambia. relationships in both countries, understand what African govern-
“Getting data in Zambia can be very difficult so instead of bringing ments are looking for and understand how the Australian Govern-
a group in, we decided it was best to start from scratch, creating em- ment can help you in Africa.
ployment opportunities in Zambia, returns for nationals,” she said. “There has been lots of skills transfer, investment and business
Although most mining activity is now focused around Solwezi opportunities created by Australian mining in Africa. That is why
in Northwest province, Ndola retains operations and, according to Australia has a good relationship and reputation in Zambia and else-
Nkandu, still presents opportunity. where in Africa.”
“Zambia is home to one of the largest copper belts in the world – Dominic Piper
and it is still underexplored,” Nkandu said. “It has developed a repu-
tation for being difficult to operate but there is a very consistent min-
ing code, and the new Government is talking about creating new
incentives for mining, including the option for a 100% deduction of
pre-production expenses. I think it is the right time to go in because
the investment climate is conducive to it.”
On the Ndola project, Beltz Mining has already begun first-pass
exploration and is looking to step-up its testing for stratabound
sediment-hosted copper mineralisation in the style of the nearby
Mwekera and Mopani mines.
“Our geochem work is mirroring the historical data and we now
have access to aeromags so we are looking to do some drilling this BDO KNOWS AFRICA
year,” Nkandu said. “Twelve months from now we hope to have ex-
panded the portfolio and be looking at listing on the ASX and Zam- With an established presence and in-depth
bian exchange. But exploration is expensive, so we recently became
a public company and we are looking to expand the shareholder knowledge of the Natural Resources industry,
base.” BDO works alongside you to meet the
Nkandu believes her cultural connection to both countries allows
for a unique perspective among mining executives. challenges of operating a business in Africa.
“As a Zambian, I understand the mindset, how to do business,
and the huge role law and traditions play there,” she said. “As an BDO are more committed than ever to continuing to be there for you.
Australia, I understand the culture, what investors are looking for
and the language of Australian business.”
Nkandu believes there is ample opportunity for other African-
Australians to apply their cross-cultural experience to the benefit of
stakeholders on both sides of the Indian Ocean.
“We can provide insight others don’t have,” she said, before con-
firming not everyone recognised the advantages of working with
African-Australians.
“In Australia, people question my motive and ask if it is business
or charity. I can assure you it is definitely business, although we do
have separate charitable projects as well,” she said. “In Zambia,
many people assume that as a woman I don’t know what I am doing.
I may not have a professional background in mining but I have learnt
to surround myself with a good team that does have that expertise.

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