Zambians running mines well – NUMAW
By KETRA KALUNGA
THERE is no doubt that Zambians can run the mines especially with the abundant skills and labour, the National Union of Miners and Allied Workers (NUMAW) has said.
NUMAW president, James Chansa, said those doubting that Zambians could run the mines had misplaced views because the mines were for a long time being managed by Zambians until they were privatized.
Mr. Chansa said this when he featured on ZNBC Sunday interview.
He said that if anything Zambians were experts in running the mines both locally and abroad because they have acquired enough experience.
“As far as I can remember, we started mining in 1902 although they were primitive, around 1920 they were in the hands of foreigners but when we got independence we started running vibrant mines, we cannot fail, we will run the mines,” he said.
He said Zambian mine captains and engineers among other disciplines were currently overseeing the affairs of the mines in the country.
Mr Chansa said: “When Vedanta left KCM and Glencore left Mopani, who have been running the mines, its Zambians and we are going to work and run these mines satisfactorily,” he said.
He commended Government for putting in place measures aimed at ensuring that mines keep operating amidst the Covid-19 pandemic.
The union leaders said it was pleasing that no workers had been put under redundancy by the mines in the face of the ravaging pandemic.
“One good thing we like about the government though people are looking at us as siding with them is that during the time that we have been struck with Covid there is no mine in Zambia that has been closed as a result of Covid,” he said.
Mr Chansa assured workers at Mopani and Konkola copper mines that they would be paid their terminal benefits before the end of this year.
