Albidon Nickel Mining to start production this month

Albidon Zambia Limited (AZL) in Southern province says it would commence mining and production of nickel concentrates on April 28, 2008.

AZL Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Ecen Fwanecoel told ZANIS in an interview that Nickel concentrate production was two months ahead of schedule.

Mr. Fwanecoel said although the country was experiencing cement shortages, the company has managed to continue the project due to consistence teamwork.

He also said that Albidon would be the first mining company in the region to improve the mineral grade by 13 per cent after processing it.

And Mr. Fwanecoel expressed delight at the cooperation his company has received from the local people.

He said the gesture was an indication of the sense of ownership people of Munali Hills have in the Nickel Mining Project.

Mr. Fwanecoel said his company would continue to add value to the community by having various corporate social responsibility programmes.

He said the mining of nickel in Zambia would also add value to the diversification of mining industry in the country, adding that the commodity has competitive prices on the world market.

Meanwhile, the Albidon CEO says his company was ready to pay the new mining windfall taxes as they were of benefit to both the government and the people of Zambia.

And Mines and Minerals Development Minister Kalombo Mwansa, has disclosed that government was in the process of formulating the healthy, environment and safety policy for all mining and exploration companies in the country.

Dr. Mwansa said this during a familiarisation tour on the progress of Albidon Nickel Mine in Mazabuka today.

He noted that the Albidon Nickel management was dedicated to duties as evidenced by the completion of the project two months ahead of schedule despite challenges such as cement shortages.

He also expressed delight at company commitment to providing alternative accommodations and comfort to the relocated settlers.

Dr. Mwansa has since called on other companies in Zambia to emulate AZL in fulfilling their social responsibilities and adding to the economical value of the country.

The Albidon Nickel project was launched last year on April 3, 2007 at a ground breaking ceremony by the Republican President Levy Mwanawasa in Mazabuka.