Minister of Mines and Minerals Development, Paul Kabuswe has said that the UPND Government will find a competent investor, to take over Konkola Copper Mines (KCM) on the Copperbelt once the liquidation process of the mine comes to an end.
Addressing KCM workers, who wrote a petition to President Hakainde Hichilema, Mr. Kabuswe said consultations are underway on which investor will take over the mining giant.
The Mines Minister said Government is aware of the operational challenges that resulted in ruining the welfare of thousands of workers and their families.
He added that the new Dawn government will not subject Zambians to suffer once a new investor takes over KCM.
Mr Kabuswe assured KCM workers that Government would address their problems starting with the issue of salary increments.
Meanwhile, some KCM workers who took turns complaining to the Mines Minister about their problems appealed to Government to immediately conclude the liquidation process of KCM.
Mr Kabuswe urged mining companies to invest more in their operations and unlock the potential of their sites in the wake of favourable policies under the new dawn administration.
Mr Kabuswe says mining companies in the country should step up mining activities and ramp up production.
The Minister says this is in tandem with the United Party for National Development -UPND’s aspirations to produce 3-million tonnes of copper in ten years.
Mr Kabuswe said this during a tour of Lubambe Copper Mines where he also met with management and staff of the mining firm.
He explained that ramping up production will help the country to earn more revenue which is critical to supporting the economy and communities.
Mr Kabuswe has also urged mining companies to step up efforts to support the communities they operate in for residents to benefit from the mineral wealth.
He said government will continue supporting the mines for the benefit of Zambians. – LUSAKA TIMES
