Government has maintained that it will not be arm twisted by mining firms in the midst of operational challenges that have arisen due to low copper prices on the international market.
Mines Minister Christopher Yaluma says Government will however continue to call for dialogue with all stakeholders in the mining sector.
Mr. Yaluma says if any mining firm decides to close, Government is capable of taking over the mine to avoid work stoppages and the cost of resuscitating the mine if left inactive.
He however said government would manage to run the mine on a temporal basis as it waits to attract new investors to take over the mine.
Mr. Yaluma was speaking during Sunday interview on ZNBC TV.
And Mr. Yaluma says retrenchment of any workers in the mines should be justified adding that government will not dictate but ensure that its negotiates with the mining houses on their decisions.
He added that the mines in the country are still operational though at a low scale due to the low copper prices.
Mr Yaluma said only Luanshya Copper mine has been placed under care and maintenance.
Wise words Hon. Sir
FIND SOLUTIONS INTEAD OF MAKING EMPTY STATEMENTS WHILE THE SITUATION IS GETTING WORSE.
No consistency in policies with these empty tins it’s like drunkards in a bar anybody can shout anything!!
WELL MR YALUMA GET READY TO TAKE OVER. THOSE OF US THAT HAVE FOLLOWED THE OPERATIONAL STORY OF VENDATA IS BLEEDING BECUASE OF COPPER RIGHT NOW. OF ALL THE OPERATIONS THAT MR ARGWAL IS RUNNING IF THERE ARE ANY THAT HIS CREDITORS MAY DEMAND HE DROPS TO STOP THE BLEEDING TO GET AN EXTENSION ON MARGIN AND DEBT CALLS KCM IS ONE. IF YALUMA THINKS ZCCM-IH AND GOVERNMENT CAN RUN THE SE OPERATIONS LET THEM TRY. SEE HOWLONG IT LASTS. THE TRUTH IS MINING IS IN TEOUBLE AND THE SOONER WE ACCEPT THIS THE BETTER WE CAN STRATEGISE AND MAKE ADJUSTMENTS. THESE MINES WILL CLOSE ITS JUST A MATTER OF TIME. AS WE SPEAK VENDATA IS BETTER OFF LEAVING THAN TRYING TO FIGHT THE INEVITABLE. SO YALUMA GET READY TO RUN THESE MINES AT A LOSS AND LETS SEE HOWMUCH SENSE THAT WILL MAKE. FACE THE TRUTH LOSING MONEY MAKES…
FACE THE TRUTH LOSING MONEY MAKES NO SENSE FOR ANYONE AND EVENTUALLY WILL CREATE MORE HARM THAN GOOD. GIVE IT UP. TELL THE PEOPLE THE TRUTH. THERE SHOULD BEN A DIFFERENCE BETWEEN POLITICAL AND BUSINESS DECISIONS.
Loadist, what are you trying to say. Government increasing the copper price or paying the operation costs for the investors. Its just a matter of time and everything will normalise. Don’t panic. Business is always like that.
@SENIOR CITIZEN WHAT I AM SAYING IS NO VIABLE BUSINESS CAN TAKE THE LOSSES THAT GOVERNMENT IS SUGGESTING THE MINING COMPANIES SHOULD TAKE JUST TO SATISFY A POLITICAL END. BUSINESSES MAKE BUSINESS DECISIONS NOT POLITICAL ONES. IT WILL BE A LONG TIME BEFORE COPPER PRICES START CREEPING UP AGAIN. THESE LAY OFFS ARE A BUSINESS REALITY AND CAN NOT BE AVOIDED. GOVERNMENT SHOULD LEVEL WTH THE ZAMBIAN PEOPLE ESPECIALLY THE MINERS AFFECTED. THE SOLUTION HERE IS TO OFFER VIABLE EMPLOYMENT ALTERNATIVES AND ENCOURAGE DIVERSIFICATION. THE TRUTH IS THESE MINING COMPANIES ALREADY HAVE ONE FOOT OUT THE DOOR AND IF THESE LOSSES CONTINUE GUESS WHAT? THEY WILL BE GONE. THAT IS THE REALITY. COPPER MINING IN ZAMBIA ESPECIALLY IS VERY EXPENSIVE AND THE PRICE OF COPPER IS NOT HELPING. WE NEED TO STRIKE A…