LUMWANA MINE STUCK WITH 43, 000 MT OF COPPER

LUMWANA MINE STUCK WITH 43, 000 MT OF COPPER

LUMWANA Mine in Kalumbila, is stuck with over 43, 000 metric tonnes of Copper concentrates, due to lack of processing facilities.

General Manager, Paul Gillot says the mine relies on Copperbelt-based smelting facilities, which are currently loaded and are failing to meet the local demand.

Mr Gillot has disclosed this to Mines Minister, Paul Kabuswe, when the minister visited Lumwana Mine, adding that this is affecting productivity and profitability.

He has explained that the good copper price on the international market has pushed productivity up and the Copperbelt smelters are loaded, beyond capacity.

Meanwhile, Mr Kabuswe has called for more investment in value addition in the mining sector.

Mr Kabuswe said the mining sector in Zambia is in need of auxiliary industries, which will add value to the minerals that are being extracted.

The Minister has further directed Lumwana Mine to award more business to local contractors and suppliers in order to boost the local economy. – ZNBC.