By NATION REPORTER
THE Advocates for National Development and Democracy (ANDD) says it is profoundly elated to learn of Lumwana Mine’s investment of US$2 billion in their mining development expansion project and the potential it has of creating up to 1, 800 jobs.
ANND Executive Director, Samuel Banda, indicated that this was a progressive development because the mining expansion project would not only create employment opportunities but would also increase copper production output from 50, 000 metric tonnes per annum to about 240, 000 metric tonnes per annum.
“This, we believe, will contribute positively towards the Government’s 3 million metric tonnes copper production target per annum by 2031,” he said. “to promote our domestic social economic growth through commerce and trade, we are calling upon Lumwana Mine to prioritise giving business opportunities to our local suppliers and contractors.”
He said it was important also that Konkola Copper Mines and Mopani Mines make a vital contribution towards achieving the three million metric tonnes copper production target per annum by 2031.
“In this regard we are strongly appealing to President Hakainde Hichilema’s Government to expedite the KCM Vedanta transition process and ensure that KCM starts operating optimally as soon as possible,” he said.
“The President should also ensure Mopani Mines starts operating optimally within the first quarter of 2024 since the equity partner has already been engaged and has started clearing off payments to the suppliers and contractors that Mopani mines is owing which we highly commend as we believe the payments will help revive some businesses of the suppliers and contractors and contribute in restoring the Copperbelt’s economic development,” he said.
