Luanshya mine investor cheers miners

The National Union for Miners and Allied Workers (NUMAW) has expressed happiness over the progress achieved at the former Luanshya Copper Mine by China Non-ferrous Metal Group Company Limited (CNMC).

NUMAW president Mundia Sikufele said the new investor is living up to its promises in the managing of the mine’s operations.

“Currently, they cannot do everything at once because they are experiencing teething problems,” he said.
Mr Sikufele said the number of employees that are being recalled keeps increasing.

He said this shows how committed the new investor is in bringing back to life the operations of the mine which was placed under care and maintenance in January this year.

Mr Sikufele is optimistic that once CNMC resumes operations at both Baluba and Muliashi, the number of employees would increase to 1,500 as projected by the investor.

And Zambia Chambers of Commerce and Industry chairman north Eddie Kapungulya said CNMC should be given time to meet its timetable.

Mr Kapungulya said it is difficult for any country to find an investor when the world is experiencing an economic recession.

He said CNMC should ensure that it gives business to local suppliers and contractors as opposed to outsourcing goods and manpower.

Mr Kapungulya said operations of the mine would increase economic activities in Luanshya and the country as a whole.

CNMC will spend US$60 million in rehabilitating the mine.

And CNMC has set August 9, 2009, as the date for resuming underground operations at Baluba Mine following the near completion of feasibility studies.
The company has since re-engaged 610 former miners and the number is expected to increase.

Meanwhile, Government has asked mining companies to put in place safety measures to avoid unnecessary loss of lives through accidents.

Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development Permanent Secretary Godfrey Beene said in Chingola that mine accidents can easily be avoided if mine owners put in place safety measures aimed at protecting the lives of their employees.

He said mining is hazardous and that protection of workers’ lives should always take centre stage.

Dr Beene said Government will not tolerate mining companies that overlook the importance of safeguarding the lives of their workers.

He was speaking in Chingola when he launched Konkola Copper Mines’ health and safety at work policy.

Dr Beene said the launch of the health and safety at work policy by KCM was a clear indication that the firm cares about the safety of its workers.

“I have noted with satisfaction that KCM is spending huge amounts of money on safety of its workers.

Having worked in the mining industry myself, I clearly know and understand why safety and health should be paramount to your company,” Dr Beene said.

He said Government will not tolerate mine companies that overlook the importance of safeguarding the safety of their workers.

And Dr Beene commended KCM for supplementing Government’s efforts in addressing problems faced by vulnerable children and people in various communities.

“I must also state that KCM has been contributing to the development of our country by supporting the HIV/AIDS campaign and malaria programmes in various communities,” Dr Beene said.

Speaking at the same function, KCM chief executive officer Kishore Kumar said productivity in the mining sector can only be achieved when workers operate in a conducive environment.

“We are not just here to make profit, but to see to it that the health and safety of our workers is ensured.

“I am proud to announce that despite the economic meltdown the country is facing, we did not get discouraged and now things have started getting better,” Mr Kumar said.

[Zambia Daily Mail]