Thursday, March 28, 2024

Luanshya Copper Mine halts operations, 1 740 lose jobs

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Zambia’s troubled Luanshya Copper Mine (LCM) has halted operations and will only restart if the price of copper rises, the firm’s chief executive officer Derek Webbstock said on Saturday.

Webbstock said mining operations ceased on Saturday and all 1,740 employees would be laid off.

“The mine is closed and all the workers will be laid off,” Webbstock told Reuters. “I don’t know when the operations will resume … it will only be after the price of copper is up again.”

Mines and minerals development minister Maxwell Mwale said the government would work to ensure operations of the mine resumed in the shortest possible time, but said the government would not step in and buy it.

“We cannot just come in because there are legal implications since this mine is a private property,” Mwale said. “But we are determined to make sure the mine begins to operate again because we don’t want job losses.”

Copper is Zambia’s biggest export and the mines, which are a major employer, are struggling with a fall in global metal prices.

Mwale said he held a crisis meeting with unions on Saturday but did not give further details.

LCM, a joint venture of International Mineral Resources and Bein Stein Group Resources, operates Chambishi Metals and the Baluba copper mine.

Chambishi’s cobalt smelter was shut down two weeks ago. But its roaster, which is used for copper refining, and the Baluba mine were still operational until Saturday.

LCM had already suspended its new $354 million Mulyashi mine proj ect while it reviewed its viability.

Mwale said LCM’s owners had not injected enough cash into the company after buying it from the government in 2003. Last week, the government said it was looking at ways of saving the mine from collapse.

Reuters

189 COMMENTS

  1. These are the results of allowing incompetent people to run the country without any strategic thinking and planning. Why were the mines privatized in the first place they should have been sold 50% to local investors and the other 50% should have been under Govt so that when trying times come the Govt can help out with a bail out package. Let those foreign investors sell the mines back to the Government and let competent people with proven stategic management sell the mines to the local investors.

  2. Luanshya again, oh no! The more reason why we need a diversified ‘internal’ economy. I see no reason why we cannot have a product from Kalomo needed in Kamwamba and vice-versa. Imagine if each and every district had a ‘nearly’ unique product that every other district wants?! We should aim to reduce our foreign dependency vis-a-vis aid, market, investment to less than 30%. Only then can we enjoy our ‘independence’.

  3. The govt needs to step in and save these mines like Europe and the US are doing with their Banks and more recently their Car Industry. We saw the Zambian mines supported for years during the recession in the ’90s. Come on RB and your crowd!

  4. The Zambian Govt should step in and nationalise the mine and give it back to the private sector once it become viable.
    It is the duty of every Govt to protect sensitive industries from collpsing,if they r let to do so, the consequences will be high.

  5. The government buying the mines is a bad idea! This is no time to get emotional and myopic. We all know that there is a global recession and copper prices will NOT go up overnight. What we need is heavy investment and job creation in the agric. sector! Govt should re-direct these people to such efforts. It is well known that food prices will go up globally…WHY is the government NOT taking leadership on this? STOP pretending that there will be no mine closures and tell the people the truth!!!! I would peosonally advise Zambians to invest the little money they have made during the copper boom to agric production. However leadership by government is nedded!!

  6. The government should not be the ones to surrender quickly. The government can buy the mine and run it now and privatise 49 percent shares later when things improve. All governments are doing this through out the world. We now have have good reason for the government to borrow and to take control again of mining in Zambia. Where is Magande at least he some brains?

  7. Sad reading indeed, is this the kind of investors we are going to be bringing in? On the other hand it just goes to show how uncaring our government is. I look forward to a day when we the people will turn against there people. we are fed up of MMD

  8. I think the days of KK were better, seriously we need to give credit where it is due. He may have had his flaws but at least Zambians were not suffering like today. The long lines were better than the job lay off and the suffering we are seeing today. I don’t remember seeing street kids on the streets, people were not being laid off like today. At least Zambians were proud, we had our own Zambian national companies to boast about.There could have been some debt when he left but that could have been handled by some strategic planners. On a serious note the govt needs to buy back the mines and the companies they sold and sell 50% of the shares to local investors who have a heart for Zambians

  9. Bogus investors,after yu made profit on expense of zambian.Everyone is blamin on global recession falling copper prices.But the real fact is even this time copper mine are making profit all what they don’t want is to pay new tax.Aata! They should leave us with our copper.Infact the government knows that zambia contribute more than 50% of the worlds copper.The should cut down on export to false prices to go up that what Oil exporting countries does to maintain profits.How many cars don’ t have copper wires? Or copper bullets.Reduce on Export RB & lets focus on soya,ifyumbu & nut.

  10. New zambia #14. you’re very correct in your analysis. this is the time for government to back back the mines and offer some shares to Zambians.

  11. #16.Mukanaka

    How I wish you were one of the top officials in our govt.Its like the pipo in our govt cant see what some of us are able to see.These fake investors are just using the low copper price as an excuse.they just dont want to pay tax,they also want to leave coz they have made enough monies for thei contries and themselves.Unfortunately the govt cant see all these things.My main worry is what will happen to all the workers and their families? Oh God Help us.

  12. Chi Ga Yo… thanks mate!
    Ya Zanda, while I agree with you on the Government buying up more stake in the mines, please do not be tempted to compare Zambia to the the US b. Firstly they have more financial reserves and secondly migrating their workforce from motor industry to another sector is not practically possible .. and at best cannot be done as rapidly as we can with the mines workforce due to the numbers. What the government can do however is buy majority stake in the mines at very low cost, using the low copper prices and “national security” as the bargaining chip! without much financial commitment. The bulk of the finances should be directed towards agric.

  13. Too sad.Anyway we can’t blame the investor entirely as this move will prevent further losses,he is a businessman. the govt must wake up and come to the aid of its people.This is time the govt should take balanced development strategy in its development plans with much emphasis on the agriculture sector with good farm aid package coupled by perfect marketing policy.guys swith off those air cons in your offices and stop dozing.

  14. It is very sad that Luanshya mine has gone down again. Calling for Govt to buy back the mines is like getting a corpse from UTH mortuary and taking it to a “witch doctor” asking for resurrection.

    Govt has no capacity to manage these private companies.ZCCM collapsed because of too much Govt hand in its operations. The problem with most investors is that they like buying cheap and maintaining cheap operations. More funds should have been injected into LCM in order to make it a cost effective operation and meet its profit margin.

    The situation as it stands now huge investiments are required for modernised technology at LCM in order to guarantee low cost production and reasonable profit.

  15. These investors need to be screened properly before they come into ZED. If the Govt will entertain such investors then we are no where as a nation.How on earth can they be closing mines for reasons that the copper price has gone down. Supporse the price continues to stumble down for the next 6 months what happens? This is why as a nation we wanted SATA to rule.

  16. this very sad to the entire country. Zambia is in the drain and i can see another Zimbabwe in Zambia coming if the so called government dosen’t step up on the plate and deal with the real issues the our country is facing. This is not the right time to start pointing fingers at each other, all we need is every man and woman of Zambia to contribute and mend the big holes our country is going through now. Zambia is facing the same problems as others all over the world, but what matters is how we solve our own issues and problems in our country. ONE ZAMBIA ONE NATION!!

  17. These are indeed trying moment for my uncle Shrek. However, on a serious note, the goverment should do something about this situation. Let us also learn a few lessons about our long time dependance on copper as the only forex earner. Uncle shrek together with his cabinet need to sit down, scratch their heads and think twice about find long term solution for an alternative means of earning forex and the focus should be on Agriculture.

  18. Global economic crisis is not an excuse here. Guys let us be realistic.

    #9 I hate people coming on here saying the miners should use their little monies to go into agriculture. Sometimes I wonder whether some of you people have relatives effected by all this.
    1. Our economy does not allow a poor miner to save.
    2. It is not just a matter of waking up and becoming a farmer.

    We have to stop being emotional. The problems in Zambia are deep routed. The time we mismanaged NAMBOARD was the time we killed agriculture. We need to go back to giving people loans, making fertiliser available and be ready to buy from farmers after they have produced.

  19. WHAT IS THE GOVERMENT DOING ABOUT IT? WE NEED ACTIONS AND NOT JUST TALKING. ALL THISW IS DUE ELECTING INCOMPETENT PEOPLE WHO DONT UNDERSTAND ISSUES. LOOK AT USA,GERMANY here etc HOW THEY HAVE POTECTED THEIR INDUSTRIES BY COMING UP WITH PLANS AND NOT JUST GOING TO MFUWE& talking irrelevants!!!!! :d:d:d:d:d8-|8-|

  20. #25 Contd. Other than people having utuma jobs, realistically the goverment was getting almost nothing from the mines let alone Luanshya.

    Ka fu pi convienced us into thinking we did not need government to run businesses. This is the time we need a government to come in. I do not support the idea of pumping in money to save the situation.

    This is a very painful situation which needs painful solutins. Unfortunately the goverment we have at the moment is a wrong one. America and Britain can afford a quic fix-we can`t with the selfishness of Africans. People would rather have an increament.

    This is time my sorry country needed a GRADE FOUR to sort things out. Action is what we need.

  21. #9 and #21 You are completely spot on. The government would be burying its head in the sand if it nationalised these mines and actually run them. That would mean accumulating more debt. The root cause of the problem is we did not diversify our economy. Lessons were not learned from the Kaunda era, instead it was business as usual when the copper prices were going up.

  22. Uluse to the families affected,anyway its a chain reaction all of us will be affected in some way.pa zed awe mwandini.so our total dependancy has just been on the mines.ba kcm cant think of closing kaili they are still minting cash out of this country when they are done they will pull off.its unfortunate.where are our policies kanshi?

  23. YABAAAH!!!!another bom-shel in luanshya,the last 20yrs we claim we have produced the best brains in the region, graduates,think tanks: were are you guys? can you please stop sitting behind those computers and stop playing cards-frecell, solitire & paying yourselves heft salaries, the nation wants your contribution. Right now we have association of accountants and engineers in this country what is your contribution to this nation? are you really practical or you are a myth? what is your advise to the nation? look @ the standards in this country. Does it mean this governmnt is too poor such that it cannot adopt any mine, How did KK managed to take us thru all that when we had very few Gradutes

  24. Nkani yavuta ku Luanshya. RB and your big crowd; step in and save your people if you really are it’s leaders. You chaps have been too soft for the so called investors. Emulate SATA … do you see why the urban areas in Zambia always cry for Sata??? Why on earth should you expose your desperacy on wanting to keep them. As security measure you pass a law that will go against further retrenchments overnight until further notice; else they lose the investment to the government. Acquire the mines from the culprits and the sell the shares back to the people of Sweet ZED. :-\”

  25. so this nation basically has no reserve.why should this crisis affect us real bad,yes other countries have been hit by the same but they are managing but with us looks like all is impossible ninshi pantu? ba RB ala ifintu nafipena wake up and show your muscle this is now suppose to be real governance show us that you care for the people that voted you into power or you cant feel it coz state house has everything.its unfortunate.

  26. Sex-with-goat man nabbed
    By Times Reporter
    A 24-YEAR-OLD man has been arrested and charged with bestiality after he was caught having carnal knowledge of a she-goat at a farm bloc in Solwezi in North-Western Province.
    North-Western police chief, Fabian Katiba, said in Solwezi yesterday that Gratson Kashimba, of Kazhiba farm bloc, was allegedly found in the act around 15:00 hours on Tuesday.
    He was apprehended for having carnal knowledge of a goat belonging to Ben Samaka of the same area and was taken to Kyawama police station awaiting court appearance for bestiality.

  27. Its fine people, think of it in this way; why do we have to export copper cheaply? ZAMBIA, which is amongst the top 10 copper exporters has the power controll copper prices. Let’s rather concentrate on agriculture oil exploration and human resource development for now, copper underground doesn’t rot.

  28. Hello mwechalo,

    Its really sad to be a Zambian. Its like Zambians we cant manage our economy. We like depending on the foreigners. We are very educated people in that we follow to the letter every priscription of the IMF and world Bank. They tell you to privatise 100 % you follow. They tell not to tax the foreigner and only tax Zambians you follow. educated people with degrees, masters and PHDs. We are really a great nation. Now see what is happening coz the price is low I have to shut the mine. When the price is high I make hyper profits and externalise them and you call me an ivestor. Dull creatures why cant we take away the mines and have 50-50% shares both foreign and local.

  29. #41 CONt’S….capitalise the mines and put them under both foreign and local supervision. All the countries are doing this.Look at USA even other countries the governments are recapitalising the terribly hit sectors. But this should not be under the foreghn management but local management. We can do. if the price falls, we will not stop production but we will use the profits we had made when the price was high to even produce more for sale when the price is high. Please Zambians lets take away the mines but let them be managed as seperate entity from gonvt. No govt interferance.
    May Lord God bless Zambia that we start managing the economy ourselves.

  30. Imwe ba gov Indalama ubwingi mupokelela from abasungu, use that to get back your mines alaa!

    Twesheko no kulima when you have food in your country, you r not goin to cry like babies.
    Banda and his group should try!

  31. Luanshya Mine won’t close – RB

    By DORIS KASOTE

    PRESIDENT Banda has revealed that Luanshya Copper Mines (LCM) will soon be placed under care and maintenance although the company is not threatened with closure.

    He said government would inspect the mine assets during the week to facilitate the process of care and maintenance.

    Mr Banda was briefing the press after he held separate closed-door meetings with the union and management respectively.

    He appealed to Zambians not to despair as government was watching the developments carefully and looking at proposals as to how best to address the problems at the mine urgently.

    Mr Banda made an assurance that government would follow t

  32. Luanshya Mine won’t close – RB

    By DORIS KASOTE

    PRESIDENT Banda has revealed that Luanshya Copper Mines (LCM) will soon be placed under care and maintenance although the company is not threatened with closure.

    He said government would inspect the mine assets during the week to facilitate the process of care and maintenance.

    Mr Banda was briefing the press after he held separate closed-door meetings with the union and management respectively.

    He appealed to Zambians not to despair as government was watching the developments carefully and looking at proposals as to how best to address the problems at the mine urgently.

    Mr Banda made an assurance that government would follow

  33. Magande said a few months ago when he was still finance minister that zambia would not touch the foreign reserves that it had accumulated of the last few yrs.I say now is the time to tap into that reserve like other economies around the world are doing and buy LCM off the owners and run it in the mean time and then sell it off when the copper prices stabilize -for the sake of the economy of luanshya town

  34. #29 anonymous# Please its not kafupi who told zambians that govnt had nothing to do with running mines its the IMF and World Bank. Yor PHD and Masters holders who were the advisors of Kafupi ratified it. Chiliba’s regime had most educated people. To them privatisation meant only foreigners should run the mines. Why not help a local company run the mines under private ownership??? or the government can be involved but not in a silly manner as they have done with zamtel. Ofcourse you are right selfishness among Zambians. I dont know where we are going. Here in Sweden you can see that the govnt is fully involved in many sectors…it always tries to help its citizen. awe bwafya….

  35. CHECK OUT HOW MUCH THE OWNER OF LCM HAS LOST BECOZ OF CREDIT CRUNCH

    LOSS: $30.5 billion

    Last year, Lakshmi Mittal was the wealthiest man in India and Forbes’s fourth richest person worldwide. Now, he’s lost $30.5 billion this year after his steelmaking conglomerate ArcelorMittal increased production cuts and its stock dropped precipitously. He’s just one of the Indians who helped the country’s richest class lose $200 billion this year.

    ArcelorMittal’s stock price went up through June, then it dropped from $104.77 to around $25 a share now. During that period, Mittal, who owns 43 percent of the company, experienced stock losses totaling $50 billion. Fortunately, taken ove

  36. wel ,this’expected of nation with slepy govn’t. No strategy,leadership,no direction let alone fattening their pockets.

    But this govn’t must always know that zambians can no longer be taken for granted..! they are creating unnecessary tension that will haunt them.

  37. Agricultre is the only way!!! We saw this movie before (plungging of copper prices) in the 80’s.Why didnt we invest more in the agro sector??? Myopic leadership!!!!!!

  38. Ala kwena things are not oke in Zambia.And you know when things are like that in the mines.it means that so many bussineses wil be affected. Because most of the people there depend on the mines for their survival.Even bussineses,you find companies that supply different items to the mines.I have stayed in kitwe before,so i know what am talking about.Ala kwena bwafya!

  39. This problem is our making. Firstly FTJ opted to sell the mine to Binani with no truck record of runing a mine and then came Levy who sold the same mine to JW against people’s advice not to do so.

    Zambians have a problem of going to extremes in doing things. A perfect market system does not mean that govt can not coexist in running business with the private sector, in any case we do not have a 100% perfect economy in the whole world.

    Govt should intervene with immediate effect. It is not enough for the minister of mines to just tell us that they are determined to avoid job losses.

  40. This is sad.

    The only solution I can see is direct the workforce from mining to agriculture. Agriculture will save the workers from dipping further to poverty.

    Speed up the FSP program and invest in agriculture. Nationalizing the mines wont work if they are making losses. Where will govt get the money to recapitalize the mines if they are making losses??

    What will happen is we will be plunging the country into debt if we nationalize the mines. This is govts chance to start the economy diversification process.

  41. Any country on this world needs local investors simple as that.However,our govt doesn’t understand anything.They put their interests first leaving poor zambian in problems.Do they know why they there are govts ?If they can’t solve any problem then wht’s the use of having a govt in zed?These MMD chaps can’t rule a country.where on earth can u sell all shares in mines to foreighners without giving local people even 10%?Guys even if we’re st****p it’s too much people should demonstrate.keeping quiet won’t help us.If we just continue talking without actions then zed is heading 2 hell.Really our govt as failed us.Can MMD protect locals?noooo iwe Ubu bupuba mu MMD!!!

  42. #50. anunuebe

    My question to you is since the govt is so “sleepy with no direction,etc”, what do you suggest they do???

  43. Guys i really sympathise with people on the copperbelt,and Luansya in particular.After that same mine started operations,there were some sign of life in Luansya.The last time i went there,i saw that.But now its a different story.Guys lets look at this issue critically and bring out solutions.I really feel so bad.Whoever is going to be out of topic. He or she is going to see,this is a serious issue. 1,740 is too big a figure to go on the street.Just languishing like that.

  44. things are getting harder,can imagine how it is now if some 3 yrs ago,a friend that worked in the mines there complained bout the hardships he faced.Gov´t should look at other ventures to get these laid off workers make a living.

  45. Zambia’s problems are many facetted. To start with, we Zambians are idol. We are spectators in our own country. We like to wait for enterprising people (who are usually foreigners) to set up businesses before we start poking our noses in their business and stealing from them. We are also NOT creative. We find mining easier because it does not involve creating anything. Over the last few years the government has been behaving as though mining was the only game in town, courting every foreigner who declared interest in mining. These people are not here to create jobs. They are here to make money for themselves and their share holders back in Europe. Wake up and smell the coffee!

  46. Magande was also part and parcel of this mess we are experiencing now. For instance, are you aware that the ministry of agric really has no allocation (fund) for field activities? Officers are just sitting in the offices, because the f**l magande cut the budget for field operations and the effects of this are reflecting on RB’s govt. The next budget will be out in March, 2009. How then do you expect to have a bumper harvest when officers who are supoosed to provide extension services to our farmers are just sitting in offices? Magande, should be beaten up! Chiluba is also the root cause of this problem, where did they take the moneys from privatisation? God bless mother zambia

  47. hey szedians don’t make me cry?
    Are zambians educated really?come on guys i’m shaking now!!
    How can a foreigner tells u to sell 100% of shares?I’m confused it seems govt doen’t care about people.First of all, locals should have atleast 50% of shares in all industries in zed so tht when infestors fail we buy them back and sell shares again to other serious infectors because in zed we don’t have investors.
    Not only that zed has a big land we can try agriculture!But ministers are just their just 2 give themselves brown envelops.

  48. Well, well, well, as the late Stanley Makulu would say. Zambia is heavily dependent on FDI ignoring local resources which can easily be pooled. The facts on FDI weigh heavily against Africa which only attracts less than 5% and drilled down to Zambia, the FDI inflow figures are quite insignificant. For as long as we have dozzy people at the helm, we are doomed.

  49. Guys i really sympathise with the people on the copperbelt,and Luansya in Particular.When that same mine started operations,there was some signs of life in Luansya.I saw that the last time i went there. But now things wil be tough,it wil be a different story.This is really sad.Guys lets look at this issue critically and come out with solutions.Whoever is going to be off topic,he or she wil see.1,740 is too big a number of people,to go on the street just languishing.

  50. In life,even us on this blog,if we dont think and plan in advance for our future.We wil be in problems as individuals.You have to invest,save money.Put it in my that what would become of me if i was to be out of employment.By thinking in those lines,you wil be helped to put necessary measures in place. In case you find yourself in such a situation.It is a well known thing that copper cant entirely be depended upon.It wil at some point finish,and when the price is low like it is now,so many things are affected.Therefore,diversification is the solution.But the government doesnt plan in advance.we have available waters to do well in agriculture,winter maize project is in the achieves.it really pains me because some situations can be avoided.But due to negligence and selfishness,these are the consequences now!

  51. This is a chance for govt to get this mine on a silver platter. imagine if the mines were in the hands of the govt when the copper price was good. More forex and more money for social development.But the problem with us zambians is that we have allowed a situation where we feel govt enterprises can not thrive to be entrenched in our brains. We let govt appoint incompetent boards to parastatals, these boards in turn are allowed to appoint relatives of those in power as CEO. With all this happening you never hear of anyone resigning on mloral or principle issues. What has become of this nation where mediacre is the order of the day and life goes on. Let govt get the mine and run it.

  52. RB should learn to keep quite at times. Stay silent when not sure of what to say ba President at times. He assured LCM miners but today the mine closes. RB will go down as one of the most lying president zambia has ever had.
    He lied on fertilizer,mealie meal and the mines. When news first came through of Bwana mkubwa closing he said he will open 10 more mines to take care of the miners who will lose jobs. Can someone ask RB where these mines are and when are they opening, so that LCM miners can have fresh jobs. RB should shed off the old ways of UNIP of doing things. Can someone tell him this is 2008 and not 1978 when leaders could lie and get away with it.

  53. Let me ask a quetion.Where is the money which these mines made when the copper prices were very high? I ask because i believe that the mine owners made huge profits.And they never used to pay mineral loyalties,its just this year when it was introduced. Why cant they inject that money into production costs and other needs to cushion the impact of low copper prices.Instead of sending people to the street.

  54. i can’t post my comments!
    too bad lusakatimes.it’s like u don’t want good ideas from people.
    i’m even out.Tht’s why we can’t develop some my comments are not allowed just because i talked about making lusaka and CBU battled grounds!!

  55. My opinion is that most of us in the diaspora should start heading back home so that we can become the future leaders of our wealthy and beautiful nation. Let us become the new investors, investing is just not about money, we can invest our knowledge and exposure in Zambia and change the fortunes (for the better) and destiny of our nation. I believe this is one form of diversification that our nation should take. The gov’t should also seriously consider looking at the “back to the land” policy to boost agri and tourism businesses. **==

  56. hey guys from zed(those at zed are off today so cant blog)we need to form a strong association and put what we have learned wherever we are in the world and save zambia.come on please what can we do for our beloved country in need of human resource?

  57. #74 not all of us want to go back but all of us want to help.If we go individually our voices won’t be heard. we need to form an association composed of the best Zambian minds.Right now Zambia has no leadership. How can the head of state say Luanshya mine won’t close and a week latter it closes.He has no clue whats going on and his economic advisors are equally clueless.

  58. Many of the Zambian mines were not viable 8 to 10 years ago. Thats the reason why investors pulled out around 2001-2002. The only reason mining picked up was the unprecedented commodities bubble of 2004-2008. Now that the bubble has burst, we’ve returned to the point were many mining projects would be unprofitable. The only mines that will survive are those that were profitable before the bubble. Most of the mines that only recently flourished had their models based on high base metal prices. We have reason to fear for all the new projects that have injected life into our deflated economy for the past few years.

  59. Things fall apart. How sad for the workers & their families. Is there any form of social security or compensation for them?

  60. #74 I share your deep concern about the plight of our country, but let me assure you that there actually are a number of Zambians abroad already directly or indirectly involved in various developmental ventures for Zambia.
    Not everyone feels the need to put their shoulder to the wheel and I believe it is always individuals who make a change.

  61. #72,Anonymous, i agree with you.But the problem is the amount of hostility that you get from people, who wil try to protect their positions.For their selfish interests.Remember what happened to clive Chirwa,Mulongoti ,Mangani phiri and many others in mmd.They really ganged up to bark at him.So you find that with that kind of mentality people with knowledge keep a distance.Yalifya pa Zed!

  62. # Racia-mosco#

    What have they done??? Imwe ba Lusaka times muyichindike sana. We are labouring to advise your dull govt and u are busy negating our efforts. We are giving free advice and u should not be sensoring it …oK???

  63. LT,LT,LT,…BRING BACK THE TOPIC ABOUT THE ADVICE TO MMD GOVT BY SATA. THE TOPIC SHOULD GO HAND-IN-HAND WITH THE CLOSURE OF LUANSHYA MINES. THIS IS BECAUSE ITS ABOUT CRUCIAL TIME AND SOLUTIONS HAVE TO BE SOUGHT NOT ONLY FROM POLITICIANS BUT THE GENERAL PUBLIC AT HOME AND ABROAD. SOME OF THE TOPICS WHICH STAY ON THE BLOG FOR AGES AIN’T EVEN WORTH THE TIME. SO WHY WHISK WAY SATA’s SUGGESTION SO QUICKLY. YOU DON’T THINK AS A BLOG SERVICE PROVIDER, DO YOU?

  64. Iye how sad. Lets not compare ourselves to how Bush bailed out Fannie Mae and chrysler. we simply dont have the money. Just buckle up guys, the ride is gonna get rougher.

  65. #82 Peter,

    You are right…the news is just about the govent said this and that. What about other people? bring the news about what sata and HH are saying so that we comment on them. This blog is becoming so interesting coz of news from same people. I think i will stop contributin in future if you cant change LT.

  66. We really have dull ministers in Zambia. The govt has a right to protect the people. As such the govt is supposed to take over the mine and institute a management team to run the operations in that mine. Since the so-called invested has closed the mine, the govt take over operations to protect its people. There is no legal implication is such issues, there are lives at stake here. Guys really, why do we deserve these dull chaps to rule us? As the govt they have to find the solution. These investors have made profits, hugh for that matter. Now that they see profits dwindling they just close operations. What about the labour implication, you mean you can just close and fire everyone in Zambia

  67. Having read most suggestions by bloggers ranging from Government repossessing the mines to #16 suggesting we cut down on production bcoz we contribute 50% of the copper on the world market to plausible suggestions that gov’t should own at least 50% of the shares in all mining companies, i should say the problem is NOT FOREIGN INVESTORS but the GOVERNMMENT OF THE DAY.

  68. #1: When Copper prices reached an all time high on the world metal market non of us nor the government ever thought the price of Copper would come tumbling down the reason being everyone was having a piece of the pie, things were good as never before and nobody ever thought of a global recession. Now that the party is over we are busy blowing hot air and blaming the government. We are ourselves are the ones to blame! STOP BEING HYPOCRITICAL

  69. #2: Had we been strategic thinkers, at the time when things were good, all the suggestions by bloggers would have maximised our profits tremendously, ranging from cutting back on production to raising the copper prices even more, to government having a bigger stake in these mining Companies would have ensured our foreign reserves had been blotted to maximum capacity. BUT NO we never thought about the next day as we were busy feasting

  70. #3: The government is in a limbo about this mine closing bcoz it’s a hopeless situation. It cannot arrange a bailout bcoz the mine is foreign owned, you just don’t want to give your money away like that. Either way it cannot repossess the mine bcoz it will be unprofitable to do so as copper prices have plummeted and won’t pick up any time soon. We’ve been talking about diversifying our economy from mining to agriculture but the benefits will take long to materialise, though I think that’s the way to go.

  71. Can someone tell why countries like Chile are doing fine dispute the global recession. I also depend on copper mines like Zambia. Govt, do your homework in this issue.

  72. #4: Foreign investors are the new Colonisers, they are only in it for profit not for the good of the country. Get that thru your thick skulls you dull ministers!

  73. This is a big lesson.we always open our kamwaz and not developing agric and other sectors of the economy.Why owez depend only on copper.Why not buy-back our dependable minz and other big companies we privatized so the gov can have a full control and can control employement?

  74. A bena Luanshya balitipwafye… Takwaba ukushama nge fi.. Imwe ba RB ‘SAVE’ your people. try one day to put yourself in their shoes… :o:o:o:o:o**==**==**==**==**==**==**==>:d<>:d<>:d<>:d<**==**==

  75. Smelter to start operating
    As the global financial crunch takes its toll on the mining sector causing some to close, Chambeshi Copper Smelter in Kalulushi is set to do the oppositie next month.

    The smelter, one of the biggest in Africa will be launching its operations in January and invest another 40 million dollars in developing Chambeshi west ore.

    The Smelter, under construction since last year is part of the Zambia China Chambishi economic zone and will create over one thousand jobs.

    Mines Minister, Maxwell Mwale, says the development is a ray of hope to the workers in view of threats of closure in some mining companies.

    Mr. Mwale was speaking in an interview with ZNBC news

  76. #99, Muli uli lelo ba dumbo bane????, This is a sad story, who ever can help please do… ;););););););)**==**==**==**==**==**==**==**==**==>:/>:/>:/>:/>:/>:/>:/>:/>:/>:/

  77. Bwana Mkubwa stoped operations because of lack of feed stock/supply to treat. Other mines may reduce labour but are still operating. REASONS by Chambishi Metals & LMC INVESTOR MUST BE QUESTIONED!!!.

  78. The mines are not like the car industry or financial institution. When a mine is not making any profits close it simple as that. Rio Tinto cut thousands of jobs so will BHP. You cant blame the governmnet and no government will bail the miners from this financila crisis. even if the government bought the mines today will they manage then on a lose. C’mon use you common sense.
    If you dont understand issues just shut up.

  79. Matworld nice guy where are you? So inga niwebo wali ku party yesterday.Na ku Church tawile posako amano.Chiwa alekubutusha.Ninshi akashina kobe ako wakapangile ati balekakumbwa ama ladies nangu shani? Ati nice guy! Ala kwena mulantekunya pa blog apa guys!

  80. Ba Chewe

    Iam around Ze biggy,Iam entertaining myself with some zambian music.awe ku church nshaciya lelo ndeumfwa nensoni ukulanda,any way since nimwebo I will say it my church is on christmas holiday aini! Ine amaka yalimpwa I have never heard of such thing mu life yandi.

    About the name,my cousins back home gave it to me.have you read comment#12 under Hikaumba Ba Annonymous nabakanya ukulanda pa ma girls.
    So ze biggy am around,Ine mulampwisha energy mumubili coz of your wonderful comments. :-j:-j:-j:-j:-j

  81. Well, this is a sad reading to swallow, but you guys know that when the Mines were being privatized they were still making huge profits? Privatization of the Mines, Liquidation of Zambia Airways, Selling of the TARINO formular by National Council for Scientific Research(Zed) to US company, doing away with Co-operatives & Namboard, closing of Nitrogen Chemicals of Zambia(NCZ), Nakambala Sugar Estate selling sugar to Europe when a Zambian was queing for same commodity, was part of the deal FTJ & MMD signed before getting into power with IMF & World Bank. These organs are the Vultures, and unfortunately Govt follow blindly. Kaunda planned to do away with these infestors & it was his down fall.

  82. So what was Rupiah talking about when he insisted LCM will not close? Can these new guys even organise a kids’ birthday party?

  83. So, we are just reaping from what we sowed as a Nation. FTJ sold the Country & MMD policies have been going that direction. The only way to do away with this animalistic type of mental poverty is removing MMD from Power. If you have noticed who gets appointed for the 10 MP on Presidential descretion, they are always people who are not even experts to handle critical Ministries! Have you ever wondered that Prof. Clive Chirwa, dispite his knowldge in his field, he can not even be appointed to spearhead infrastructure development in Transport & Communication & later alone come up with designs to benefit the Country? But, chaps like TETA…….SHAME, and then you expect to develop?

  84. 114, Chirwa is an expert in auto crash analysis, how does that make him the best peron in the transport ministry? Thats the problem with us, we just look at degrees at worship people, we need proven leaders. Chiluba went and got all the dons at UNZA, Katele, Machunga, etc… what happened?

  85. 115. Dark Knight,

    What did the same people you are talking about did for Zambia? Read the writings on the white wall my dear! These are the chaps who brought us in this mess!

  86. 115.Dark Knight,

    Clive Chirwa understands transport & communication! How do you minimize accidents when you dont understand the Fundamentals of how the system works? If you have a problem with practically oriented people, then step aside or else you will just expose yourself. Proven records is what we need to build our country. Do you think at UNZA, they do high research? I left UNZA for that reason as I could not be doing Tunthemba type of research for a pocket allowance!

  87. From the monies paid by Zambians in the UK for renewals of passports(£50 each for new Zambian passport renewals(although still valid) and £5 each for an application form amounting to approx. £300.00 per household for more than 1 million zambians in the UK), GRZ can buy back the Luanshya mine. This money is more than enough for GRZ to buy back some of the companies which were privitised. In future, GRZ should find time to meet with Zambian professionals working in the UK re investment in Zambia. Imagine, every Zambian professional in the UK had to buy a minimum £1,000 shares in a Zambian troubled company (in forex)??

  88. 117, I disagree, we need people who have a record of making people around them better. This is no time for research in Zed, the system is there, what is lacking is leadership. Like LPM told Chirwa, come back and prove on the ground what you are capable of doing for the citizens at ward or branch level – Mazoka, Sata did that. Infact, why has he insisted on MMD despite being rejected? Infact why can’t he join or form another party and show us what he is made off, does he want the fastest way to State House?

  89. #108 Either you are a wan*ker or you are not being serious.

    Your englishis painful to read. Chances are you are in Canada on appointment. :d:d:d

  90. #108 Either you are a wan*ker or you are not being serious.

    Your english is painful to read. Chances are you are in Canada on appointment.
    :d:d:d

  91. To minimise accidents, all that is required of GRZ is the empowerment of the Police Service. Give them the means to detect and prevent drink driving, check speed limits, check road worthy vehicles/insurance, tracking systems. We are living in a ‘Big Brother’ age, CCTV; DNA; Biometric is the new word on the scene. Without the three tools any talk of preventing crime is all petty talk. GRZ should invest more in preventing crime. For instance, if GRZ don’t look into todays Street Kid scum, the country is heading to serious hard crime.

  92. The rest of the worlds Governments are pumping money into their economies…why is Zambia not doing the same?. Where are the “reserves” government were going on about???

  93. 120.Dark Knight
    No Country has developed without research & science. Do you think that, a person who proved himself at a Ward level will understand what has to be done to develop the Country? Even LPM did not prove himself as a ward councillor-MHSRIP. He was just fearing the unknown & had his own insecurities as he also wanted to be surrounded by bootlickers like Mpombo who was even shown kneeling on TV. This has even contributed to the mess we are in, as MMD never had a VP of the party to take over the helm. You do not have to be in Zambia to prove yourself. Infact, most chaps in Govt are bootlickers as they think politics is a career. To develop, we need learned people who are well exposed

  94. last week the BOZ said it would off some dollars (amount…)to ease pressure on the kwacha .I am just wondering when this money will be released and if at all it will properly be applied

    Mwebantu we are in a crisis in Zambia

  95. 126, with respect we need a people with a balance of exposure, education, political leadership and experience. And yes, they have to be in Zambia unfortunately not offering ideas remotely.

  96. This is a global Crisis, These are after effect of the credit cruch in Europe and America, but look at Europe, America, how they have risen to the occation and bailed strategic industries from total collapse. This is also in part, the result of lack off strategic planning on the part of govt. Let govt bail out these ailing Industries and make them viable. We are talking about 1700 plus Jobs at risk. we should be looking at long term goes such as diversify,Agriculture, tourism, Telecommunication and Manufacturing. This is the only way we could counter such eventualities of Global crisis

  97. Agriculture is a highly skilled field which requires understanding the latest developments and/or how the soil fertility will affect crop production. So, any investment in agriculture will require the services of our learned colleagues who have done that field and understand the FUNDAMENTALS and not just using COW dang as the only solution. Extensional officers are needed to educate those farmers who have never had a chance of visiting and/or learning how to increase production. You can give these uneducated farmers free fertilizer, but as long as they do not know how much to apply to crops, & when to apply, nothing much will be achieved. First, you need to teach someone how to catch fish

  98. #126 point taken. Research, Science and technology are issues Obama is putting on table for discussion. The bootlicking syndrome is a terrible thing in our govt and i don’t know how we will counter that. Too many fonteens in govts

  99. MMD Govt policies are skewed, and we do not have good advisors who can resign on moral grounds if their advice is not taken seriously. If we had that in place, planning would have been done way in advance in all aspects of the Country ranging from Mining, agriculture, Manufacturing, tourism etc. But what do we have? People stuck in the MUD and do not even know how proceed. It is like Our Govt is trying to drive through a 2000 Km distnce without a spare tire.

  100. #130:-@
    Typical African. Always yapping.

    Zambia has a popuation of only about 9-10 million (taking into account) AIDS. From the time the Trades Schools opened I think we have more Extension Officers than probably the country needs.

    I have said on here before that Zambia can be ruled by the likes of Clinton nd still be worse than it is now.

    What you forget is we are so selfish. Nothing will change! I can put my house on it!:d

  101. 124. Ichalo Lifupa….

    Thumps up! Complimenting to your views, we also need a firm mechanism that will restrict the use of OLD CARS from Japan, as they are destroying our environment. Infact those cars are a cause of so many deaths as they have already reached their book value by using a straight line method of depriciation. In other words, we are importing scrap metals when we can produce new brand copper that would have been utilized in a sensible way for manufacturing Industry. We have Engineers to design & start thinking of producing things locally if we are to develop. This should be run concurrently with Agriculture & other business ventures that will develop the Country!

  102. Look at this Zambians.

    Out of all posts on here-only two people are from Zambia with about 3-4 posts.

    Speaks volumes does`t it?

    We will huff and puff but things will always be the same.

    People back home do not even bother reading what we post on here.

  103. 134.Anonymous

    That type of reasoning should just be restricted to UK & is very dangerous, but once you leave that place cleans your Mind. How do you develop like that when you seem so pessimistic? Remember, garbage in garbage out. You and I are enjoying the benefits of other peoples sacrifices, so you need to start thinking what you will do for Zambia, i.e. if you are a Zambian?

  104. Total, absolute incompetence!! Unfortunately, the mines were sold to the loweset bidders under shady deals. The chickens have come to roost. Zambia lacks leadership.

  105. #137. That kind of English from a Geologist speaks volumes too!

    Stop deluding yourself. You are not the only Geologist Zambia has ever had. Just like I am not the only ****** that Zambia has ever had. We are plenty son!

    Take a look at Nigeria! Ah well, it gave aid to Zed didn`t it?

  106. Much appreciated #135. I also do wonder where all these already scrap imported Japanese cars will end up (piles of garbage in the back garden) since GRZ do not have scrap yards. Even more awkward,GRZ has been importing the so called secondhand (Salaula) cars for its various departments.

  107. 136.Nshakaye

    You and I need to know the price that was paid by other peoples sacrifices for our happy destine in these countries we live in. Back home, most of the people to own a computer is mystery & alot of them are busy trying to make moves that will enable them have a meal for survival. Being a Sunday, you maybe relaxing & thought of blogging for a while before getting bored. So, this is one of the reasons why you will always have few bloggers from Zed.

  108. B #140 Your relatives wouldn`t have ever owned a car if Zambia did not import garbage from Japan.

    Learn to say thank you.

    The last time I went to Zed, I saw cars which in the UK where you are cost £40-50 thousand being driven around.

  109. Due to the credit crunch i have lost 150 billion Chinese Yuan moving me from the Richest chinese to one of the poorest but i will rise again

  110. 139. Anonymous

    Out of curiosity, why are you on this blog? Discouraging people so that they start thinking like you? What territory are you defending? Take a break if you have nothing to put across! I only answer back when provoked. For your info, I am very proud to be a Geologist as I enjoy my field very well.

  111. 143. Anonymous

    People own cars in Europe & US not that they have much money. Most of the cars are bought on credit and this is one of the reasons why we have this recession, because people want to live beyond their INCOME. So, it is nothing to write home about.

  112. #140, i cannot see any truth and hope for zambia in what you are saying. You are being selfish and does not think about tomorrow and what you are going to leave to the children of today. Importing salaula cars does not in any way help zambia but japan because they are dumping all their trash in your face/our country.

  113. #146 Glad you have worked on your English and thank you.

    What I was saying is, we have to stop deluding ourselves. I am not being awkward. Chances are you were not there when Zambia was Zambia.

    Whenn you get to my age, you will realise that we probably have more Geologists than we need in Zed. Not being funny but in my time we never liked it!

    Have a nice Christmas!

  114. YOU SEE ZAMBIANS ……WHY WE NEED A PRESIDENT LIKE SATA TO SORT OUT THIS CORRUPT INVESTORS….COZ THEY ARE NOT SCARED OF ANYONE THEY CAN DO ANYTHING FOR NOW

  115. #151 Ask yourself why people who do not work in Zambia drive expensive cars.

    Geologist, Canada. If Bush and Blair/Gordon are honest they will tell you they got it wrong big time!

    The world would not have been where it is now if they didn`t go to war.

    Rocket science?

  116. #154 please be informed that SATA will never rule Zambia. It is fallacy it even imagine that the father land Zambia will ever be ruled by man of SATA’s competency

  117. 152. Anonymous
    155. Anonymous

    Hahahahaha! By the way, Chizungu has never been a problem to me. Infact, I perfomed way ahead of most guys who went to do english, humanities & Law at UNZA. It was all about what one wanted to do in life.
    I agree with you to some extent as regards to the war in Iraq, but the bottomline is that people want to live cosmetic life even when they know that they have no money. How do you explain buying homes which you will only pay back, most of the times at retirement? It is as good as using money from your retirement benefits! The only incentive is that you tell people that you bought a house even before finishing payment! This is why some chaps comitted!

  118. 157.Anonymous

    It is like we have an editor in english or teacher on the blog. China developed even when her people speak english as though they have oranges in the mouth. In most cases, they do not speak any english, yet they are force to reckon with. So, stop this english thing. Infact, research shows that when people reach a certain stage of life, think that they know it all and this is the beginning of problems. You need to accept the youth rather than castigate them

    HAPPY CHRISTMAS AS WELL!

  119. Geologist, Canada

    How long have you been in Canada for?

    How long have you been in Canada for? I never thought I would get along with you but for some reason I like your maturity despite the fact that you are way too young than I am.

    I only have a few years remaining before paying off my mortgage.

    I have to say to some extent you are right. People here do not bother at all! I mean why bother when the govenrment is going to give you a council house? Yet all council houses were sold in Zambia by Ka fupi!

  120. 157.Anonymous

    Can you tell us what happened back in the day? We need to tap into your abundant wealth of wisdom, which I believe comes with one having seeing so many MOONS!

  121. we have been on this diversification trip since kk had a head of black hair and could hit a golf ball 250 metres.Still we talk about it.When copper prices are high ,due to hedge fund speculators we think the party is going to last forever so we get drunk with our riches,when the tide flows away we nurse our hangover until the tide comes back in and so it goes on.

  122. this is what happens when you hand over all your national assets to foreigners.we want to see our coutry grow though it may mean sacrificing sometimes but a foreigner bails out as soon as things get bad.chiluba and your privatisation.awe mmwandi the state of my country drives to tears sometimes. ~:>~:>~:>~:>

  123. 160. Anonymous

    Thanks alot! I am starting my second being in Canada. I came here last year October & I am studying geology.

  124. BUYING HOMES ON CREDIT IS OKAY .IF YOU BEGIN TO SAVE MONEY TO BUY A HOME THE MONEY LOSES VALUE BECAUSE GOVT PUNISHES SAVERS BY SPENDING BEYOND THEIR MEANS BY CREATING MORE MONEY AND HENCE INFLATION SO BUYING A HOME BY SAVING FOR IT IS SIMILAR TO A DOG CHASING ITS OWN TAIL .AT LEAST BUYING KONGOLE ,YOU LOCK IN THE PRICE.10 YEARS DOWN THE ROAD YOUR MONTHLY PAYMENT BECOMES SAME AS WHAT YOU WOULD PAY RENTING A HOME.SO THERE IS GOOD CREDIT AND BAD CREDIT.BAD CREDIT IS DRIVING AROUND IN FANCY CARS BECAUSE CARS ARE A DEPRECIATING ASSET.LESSON IN ECONOMICS101.

  125. Geologist, Canada

    You wee probably not born when KK stated talking about agriculture. The man huffed and puffed!

    If only people listened to him!

    You are right, I have seen a few moons! I am not you kill joy but I do not see Africa developing.

    Other than unfair trade, Africans have compounded the situation by being selfish. We are happy to be the only one driving a CROSSFIRE in the neighbourhood! Puts a smile on an African doesn`t it?

  126. 166. Anonymous

    I understand you fully! Kaunda tried to talk of this agriculture! I had a father whom I spent alot of time with, and used to explain things to me as he was a General Manager of a regional co-operative Union back in the day. Selfishness is at its best in most of the African people, but if we loose hope, then we are doomed.

  127. Ba #166 mwayumfwaa the fact that you blogs without a pseudo name speaks volumes. Go and sleep man. I hate people who make sweeping statements like ‘Zambians are selfish’. If you ever poke your nose back here read my lips, GET A LIFE.

  128. 172, Zondiwe is jeolous of you? Its wrong for you to say that i think. Mostly, I expect such terms coming from ladies fighting for a boyfriend……

  129. 147. SUNTWE greetings mwanookwesu. You called “Maestro hehehe, where are you mulombwana. Amutugwashe busongo bwenu taata. I really miss your comments mukwesu.”

    I am still alive. I escorted an Indian friend of mine to the train station in the morning, but then we arrived late there. So, we had to wait for another train to Paris where he aws scheduled to leave for Indian at about 19:30 hrs or so.

    Anyhow, I am been trying to read many news items also to help me get updated to news from home. I have quickly thought of a solution to help Zambia, Zambians and the Mining Industry. Here we go in the following comments on this important solution.

  130. Firstly, this is not time to despair. Zambia has already been blessed by our god Lord God in tems of natural and human resources to help us carry on in life as we wait for Jesus Christ’s second coming.
    Secondly, In this present case, Copper in the Copperbelt is tha natural resource. Then, us Zambian humans of all forms: educated, undereducated, motivated, unmotivated, etc, are a serious combined set of human resource.
    Therefore, let us rise about confusion and look to the good Lord for wisdom as we apply our various rare skills to meet our current challenges head on as they have come. It is said that when a storm approaches, the EAGLE goes in the direction of it and spreads its wings.

  131. The Eagle spreads its wings to the full extent so the turbulent winds of the storms can help it fly high, higher, and highest to achieved the greatest hieghts.
    Thank God, our forefathers were guided into including an EAGLE on our Zambian Flags and Court of Arms to show in foresight that our Nation is capabe of facing any turbulencies that will come our way as we seek to provide all Zambians with the basic needs of life, i.e. safe water, good food and work: jobs.
    In this regard, I call upon President RB Banda not to relax for we need him to rise about petty MMD politicking. Let our dear leader consult president HH on how we can attack the issue of redistributing the ailing mines soonest.

  132. As that is being done. An inter-discplinary group of economics, engineers, lawyers and science researchers from both the University of Zambia and the Copperbelt university has to be broght together in a 4 hours intensive meeting in a chosen day to discuss ways in which as Zambians we can produce finished copper products that will be useful to our country in all the 9 provinces. They must look at ways in which we can stop and/or reduce depending on selling copper through the London Metal exchange. This behaviour of selling raw or semi-raw copper has to be reviewed critically.
    We need to produce finished copper products tailored for our country and Africa in general for AFRICA is a GREAT.

  133. On the otherhand, let us revoke all the licenses of mining owners who want to bahave in a semi-money-laundering way. It is very unacceptable to keep hold of a mine which you will only open for operations when commodity prices will allow you to make huge profits at the expense of laying off workers in a time that your profits will be minimal. One of my professors here told me that 5 – 7% profits is what is reasonable for any business entity at the end of the day.
    As a Zambian, I am willing to buy LCM from those as soon as possible and continue with operatons immediately at that mine by reinstating all those that lost jobs. Let us limit FDI to 15% so that we avoid such tricks from Derek.

  134. Cheer up and see how, the good Lord God – our Creator – will help us as long as we are willing to work hard under His guidance. “One Zambia, One Nation” in :d/ and [-(.

    Keep well you all and be blessed,

    Mugungulu H. Mwaanga.

  135. Those are the effects of selling the means. If we are intelligent we will learn something from the mines which are closing almost each week. We should stop depending on copper as we have to invest into something else.

    We made a mistake selling all our mines to foreign investers as they are only interested in profit. They don´t care what happens to there workers. This all comes because of poor leadership. Pliz let as try to vote for people who want to develop our nation. :((:((:((:((:((:((:((:((

  136. interesting to learn from daily mail article that the mines minister did not know that Luanshya mines was closing! I think we have got leadership crisis in the country.
    Also we would not be surprised that by the time we realise what is happening behind scene in some newly opened banks, our money strength would be weakened beyond return! this bank is there to facilitate dirt deals! our investers are losing confidence in the administration of gov systems, muzaniuza!!!

  137. Gents how do you diversify to agriculture when the farming implements are too expensive for a common man/miner and marketing is an issue pa zed????????????????? When the mines were making profits no one benefited except the owners and the low salaries the miners were getting. It has happened and the GRZ wont do anything MARK MY WORDS. RB said it wont close now what is he saying now. Mwebena Luanshya Mwalacula sana!! Mulecivivulako nangula Mwazandako panono keeping quiet wont assist. Let the GRZ take over for your sake/families since they are also shareholders thru ZCCM-IH. I rest my case.

  138. It really hurts to learn about the job losses. One just wonders as to why this important information is not reported early in our local press. What is happening with ethical journalism?

    I would not be surprised to learn that the miners involved are not even aware of the true picture on the ground.

    As to bwana Minister, there is nothing you can do about the copper price… worse still on the operations of LCC. Critically think before you make any statement.

  139. It really hurts to learn about the job losses. One just wonders as to why this important information is not reported early in our local press. What is happening with ethical journalism?

    I would not be surprised to learn that the miners involved are not even aware of the true picture on the ground.

    As to bwana Minister, there is nothing you can do about the copper price… worse still on the operations of LCM. Critically think before you make any statement.

  140. Just wish to say your article is as astounding. The clarity to your put up is simply great and i can assume you’re an expert in this subject. Fine together with your permission let me to seize your RSS feed to stay updated with impending post. Thank you one million and please keep up the rewarding work.

  141. I would just like to say that have very much lovedstudyingthis information. It makes a changeto discoversomething that is as well though out and informativeas this. I will without a doubtbe returning hereto readany updates.

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