The Minister of Industries, Mines and Energy, Modestus Amutse, said it is not within his mandate to extend or terminate contracts of CEOs within mining companies.

Amutse was responding to a question by Independent Patriots for Change (IPC)'s Ferdinand Hengombe on why Epangelo Mining Company's CEO's contract was extended rather than having his post made available to eligible persons.

"It was in writing because my response would be that it is not my function." The extension of the CEO’s contract falls within the mandate of the board, and I am not a board member. Therefore, if you want an in-depth explanation of how that authority was exercised, that would be the appropriate answer.”

The Speaker of the National Assembly, Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila, stressed that, whether a minister is part of a board or not, ministers are deemed accountable for the ministries and the state-owned enterprises that resort under them.