LUANSHYA MINE BLASTINGS IRK MP
By OLIVER SAMBOKO
THE continued dynamite blasting by Luanshya Copper Mine is endangering the lives of residents who have to constantly evacuate their homes to safer distances, Parliament heard yesterday.
Roan Member of Parliament, Joel Chibuye, said the people of Roan are living in constant danger because of the blasting and wondered if the government through the Ministry Mines is aware and what measures will be put in place to protect the affected residents.
Mr Chibuye disclosed that the basting is done very close to residential areas which has resulted in damage to people’s properties.
He said last week during blasting, one house had its ceiling damaged which also destroyed other properties.
Mr Chibuye said the mode of mining deployed by Luanshya mine, of blasting in open areas, is not safe for the residents.
He said Luanshya Mine has embarked on open pit mining which they are doing by blasting surface areas some times, very close to residential areas thereby endangering the lives of people.
Mr Chibuye explained that every time the mine company is carrying out blasting and mining activities, residents are advised to evacuate their homes to a safer distance to avoid injuries.
He said that as much as the people of Roan welcome foreign direct investment, they are worried that their lives are in danger.
Mr Chibuye said while the people in the area appreciate that the new dawn government is laying a foundation to increase copper production from the current 800,000 Metric tons per annum to 3 million Mt, measures should be put in place to protect the lives of the residents in mining areas.
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