The Chamber of Mines in Zambia (CMZ) has expressed happiness at the re-opening of Maamba Collieries Limited (MCL) which will create 2, 000 jobs, saying it is a major step towards poverty reduction among the citizens.
CMZ has also said the coal from Maamba is pivotal in the smooth operations of mines in the country and its re-opening is advantageous for the mining industry.
CMZ general manager Frederick Bantubonse said in an interview from Ndola yesterday that the chamber welcomed every opportunity for the country to create employment through mining activities.
Mr Bantubonse said it was good that Maamba would create 2, 000 jobs for the people in that area.
He said coal was a significant ingredient in most mining operations around the country and that having a local source of the commodity was a welcome development.
Mr Bantubonse said since the closure of Maamba Collieries, mining companies had resorted to importing coal and that this was usually a difficult undertaking.
He said it was difficult for most mines to regulate coal stock levels because of the complexities that went with importing the commodity.
“It is not just about the price of buying coal locally but it is also about stock level controls,” he said.
And Zambia Congress of Trade Unions president Leonard Hikaumba said there was need to ensure sustainability of jobs created at the reopened Maamba Mine.
Mr Hikaumba said the labour movement would want to see that the 2,000 jobs to be created once the mine was fully operational were sustained and in conformity to the decent work agenda.
He said Zambia had agreed to the implementation of the decent work agenda which emphasised on adequate pay, respect for workers rights and promotion of social dialogue.
He called on the new owners of the mine to adhere to the decent work agenda which he said always motivated workers.
Mr Hikaumba commended the Government for attracting more investments in the mining industry that were creating jobs meant to better the lives of Zambians.
Federation of Free Trade Unions of Zambia also hailed the creation of 2,000 jobs, with president Joyce Nonde-Simukoko saying the union had always pressed for more jobs for the citizens.
She, however, said it was also important that quality, permanent and pensionable jobs were encouraged.
“We are very happy with the creation of jobs at the re-opened mine but it is also important that quality, permanent and pensionable jobs are created.
“The unions should therefore negotiate for quality jobs for the workers,” Ms Simukoko said.
Maamba Mines Collieries was re-opened last week by President Rupiah Banda where he said the Government would continue to implement policies, measures and programmes aimed at improving Zambia’s economic climate and the people’s livelihood.
The president reiterated Government’s commitment to making Zambia the preferred destination for capital investment in the mining industry.
He said that he was concerned about the high level of unemployment, poverty and poor business opportunities in Sinazongwe, adding that the re-opening of the mine was in part an answer to his concerns.
[ Times of Zambia
