Wed, 06 Sep 2017 14:21:10 +0000
By Bennie Mundando
YOU need to reopen Baluba underground mines and reap the profits other companies are getting which will also add value to this area following the increase in copper prices on the world market, Luanshya mayor Nathan Chanda has told Luanshya Copper Mine (LCM).
Speaking during one of the engagement meetings on Monday with management to have the 28 shaft mine reopened after being placed on care and maintenance, Mr. Chanda implored the company to start production immediately and take advantage of the soaring prices of copper on the international market to make profits.
Mr Chanda urged the management of LCM to quickly consider reopening the mine and also improve the conditions and welfare of its workers so that the community of Luanshya could benefit from its God-given natural resource.
“I am asking you to consider reopening this mine now that there has been an increase in prices of copper on the world market so that you can also start making more profits like other companies are doing. With the increase in Copper prices, the community in Luanshya will benefit more if you opened this mine as people will get employment, thereby raising the economic prospects of this area,” Mr. Chanda said.
He also appealed to the Copperbelt Energy Corporation (CEC) to consider increasing the amount of electricity supplied to the mines which was reduced to 70 percent of the mine’s requirements now that there is an increase in copper demand.
He expressed optimism that Luanshya residents would start getting improved services provided by facilities owned by LCM such as the Luanshya Trustee School and challenged Roan United Football Club to improve its performance following the upswing in copper prices.
He appealed to the management to do more in its corporate social responsibility (CSR) drive to the Luanshya community so that the area could reap the benefits from the biggest investor in the town.
Meanwhile, LCM management said they were not sitting idle but doing everything possible to ensure that the mining sector positively contributed to improving the well-being of Luanshya residents.
LCM deputy chief executive officer Wan Jijan, however, said there were a number of issues which needed to be resolved before the reopening of Baluba underground mine.
Currently, LCM is only operating its new mine Mulyashi Open Pit Mine after Baluba was placed under care and maintenance in 2015.
Mr Chanda, who was accompanied by the deputy mayor Mr, Golden Mulenga and other officials said the meeting was successful and that he would soon invite the mine to update them on the latest developments.
