MINISTER OF MINES KABUSWE TOURS MOPANI MINE, ADVISES MANAGEMENT TO WORK PROFESSIONALLY
Tuesday, 21 September 2021
“I’m a happy man now, I can see some lifespan in Mopani.”
Minister of Mine Honourable Paul Kabuswe has toured Mopani Copper Mine plc on a fact finding mission.
Speaking to the Management of MOPANI during the tour of both Nkana and Mufurila Plants, Honourable Kabuswe expressed happinesses with the Modern Infrustracture and the Investment in the mine.
He said the situation at Mopani has rejuvenated his hopes in the mining industry for the future of MOPANI Mine. Honourable Kabuswe asked Mopani Management under ZCCM-IH not to sideline Zambians suppliers in preference to foreigners when awarding Contracts.
“Please, I don’t want to see a situation where foreigners are awarded contract disadvantaging Zambians, Zambia and Zambians are next to my heart and our interest as UPND and New Dawn government will be that of the people of Zambia. If possible, foreigners should Partner with Zambians to supply these Mines. I want you Management to be professional, we will not influence your operations as politicians or cadres, like we used to see in the past regime. I know you were working under very difficult environment but the New Dawn government is here to see Zambians benefit from their mineral resources.” he said.
Honourable Kabuswe further said the New Dawn Government will support every good effort to the ZCCM-IH to see the mine grow but he was not in a position to tell the next step government will take till his Excellence gives policy direction.
Meanwhile, CEO MOPANI, Mr Charles Sakanya has assured the Minister that Zambians are capable of running the Mines provided government provide good and constant policies. He said the Company has managed to reduce the number of expatriates to create room for the skills locally. He further said MOPANI has made profit of $57 million and projected another increase next year.
The Mines Minister also toured MCTC College and was impressed with the type of skill transfer at the institution. Mopani was put on care and mantaince last year after Glencore pulled out of MOPANI sighting production challenges.
Source : CIC Press
