Government has directed Chambeshi metals which is currently on Care and Maintenance to resume operations in the next three months.
About 229 workers were earmarked to be laid off at Chambishi Metals on the Copperbelt by the end of January following the placing of the mining company under care and maintenance.
Mines and Minerals Development Minister Richard Musukwa says a number of local and international investors have expressed interest in taking over operations of Chambeshi metals which was placed under care and maintenance.
He was speaking in Johannesburg, South Africa , enroute to Cape town where is leading a team of officials from Zambia Revenue Authority, ZCCM- IH and Ministry of Mines to this year’s mining conference.
Mr. Musukwa said government rejected the plan by the mining firm to halt operations for two years due to operational challenges.
He said management of Chambeshi metals has been asked to invest in a processing plant that would treat the kind of material the firm has.
Mr. Musukwa said the processing facility that Chambeshi metals was currently using is unable to adequately treat its concentrates, hence, resulting in operational challenges
He dispelled claims that the firm has halted operations due to the five percent tax on concentrates, adding that government was ready to give a special waiver to the mining firm in order to remain operational.
Mr. Musukwa has since assured the investor community that Zambia was a jurisdiction that respected the law, as such, there investment was safe.
He explained that government was open for investments and was willing to dialogue with the industry on all matters that affected the growth of the mining industry in order to foster growth of the sector.
And Mr. Musukwa said three more mining firms are this year expected to start mining operations.
He said this would enable government meet its projected copper production target of eight hundred and fifty thousand metric tons for this year.
Mr. Musukwa mentioned that the outlook for the mining sector was positive as most of the challenges that the sector faced last year were resolved.
This is contained in a statement issued to the media by Naomi Nyawali, the First Secretary Press and Public Relations Zambia High Commission South Africa.
Mr Minister, you should have ended at asking them to resume operations than going further with a threat of a takeover! A closed door meeting avails much than playing to the gallery! The Law you talk about must be seen to respect property rights. Any threat of a mine grab sends wrong signals to good investors! Zambia is currently classified as high political risk investment destination! We must improve our image or continue attracting substandard investors called infestors!
No foreigner will ever develop Zambia but Zambians. This notion of relying on investors is just dreaming. The only way out is for ZCCM IH to go back in to mining.
Insunko, you right.
140 workers have been kicked out’a employment or laid off at Zamtel.
Reasons??????
Kindly carefully study the reasons Chambeshi Mining is doing this.
Mr. Musukwa said government rejected the plan by the mining firm to halt operations for two years due to operational challenges sounds rathèr strange. Rather unreasonable;
Are you saying that you’re being blackmailed????
@Insuko
100%.
Insunko, you right.
Insuko is right only if we had a responsible government not these ignorant thieves. You don’t force things but find out what works then implement that . It shouldn’t be about pleasing a few cadres or a president but doing what is good for the nation and people
@ insuko you are right about the fact that only Zambians can develop Zambia. But before you get excited about ZCCM-IH, find out how it has ruined Ndola lime and ask yourself what motivated a mining investment company to invest in loss making investrust bank
Musukwa is a dull chap, I am not surprised this former Primary school tutor was appointed by equally dull chap Lungu.