THE Mineworkers Union of Zambia (MUZ) has called on Government to engage Konkola Copper Mines (KCM) on the arsenic in the copper concentrates they are importing from Chile.
KCM recently commenced the importation of copper concentrate from Chile, which contains arsenic, a toxic chemical element that causes cancer if exposed to humans in uncontrolled quantities.
MUZ general secretary Joseph Chewe said in Kitwe yesterday that the union will not allow KCM to expose miners to the risk of developing cancer through direct contact with copper concentrates that are being imported from Chile.
He said it is wrong for KCM to start importing copper concentrates from South America when there are enough copper ore reserves at its Chingola and Chililabombwe mines.
He Government must intervene in an attempt to stop KCM from importing copper concentrates so that they could concentrate on boosting local production.
“We are worried about the safety of Zambian miners that are handling the concentrates that KCM is importing from Chile because they contain elements of a toxic substance known as arsenic, which causes cancer.
“We are appealing to Government to stop KCM from importing these dangerous concentrates from South America to protect our people from dying of cancer,” Mr Chewe said.
But KCM corporate affairs manager Shapi Shacinda said in a statement that the mining firm has taken precautionary measures to ensure the imported copper concentrates do not harm anyone.
Mr Shacinda, who confirmed the presence of arsenic in the imported concentrate, said there is no need for worries.
“The Chilean concentrates contain some amounts of arsenic, which is a common component of copper concentrates.
KCM takes the necessary precautions to ensure that this and all impurities are captured and safely stored so that there is no adverse impact on the environment or human health,” Mr Shacinda said.
Getting concentrates from Chile and processing them pa zed is wat is wrong with me. When Chile sells this concentrate to KCM it means Chile has paid off all the labour and all the suppliers cost attributed to it in production in that country. Is it that we don’t ve copper at KCM? Or we don’t ve labour in chingola or chilies? Or we don’t ve suppliers who can satisfy KCM production? I need answers now.
My friend,
KCM is neither answerable to you, nor GRZ.
In the sales agreement, KCM was given the mandate to operate independently.
There is a shortage of copper concentrate in Zambia. 4 smelters are running flat out, namely: Mufulira/Chambishi/Kansanshi/Chingola.
Capacity has to be filled, so that the unit cost is reduced.
Zambians do not know how to run a business.
Please be educated!
You started well but you finishing statements are misplaced.
Three comments for a very serious topic. I am saddened Zambians.