..Says promises to pump $1.5bn into KCM is cosmetic
BY ADRIAN MWANZA
THE promise to pump $1.5billion into Konkola Copper Mine (KCM) by Vedanta Resources is cosmetic and Government should not entertain their return, says the Mineworkers Union of Zambia (MUZ).
MUZ general secretary, George Mumba, said in an interview the new government should look for other investors and not Vedanta which was full of lip-service.
Mr Mumba said MUZ was skeptical about the return of Vedanta which had promised to pump in US$1.5 billion in the operations of the mine.
“We feel it is a risky move for us to reengage Vedanta most especially what they almost did to us when the miners almost lost their jobs,” he said.
He said Government should engage a new investor that would look after the miners and ensure that it paid its taxes accordingly.
Mr Mumba said that the promises by Vedanta were cosmetic and that they could do a similar thing going forward.
“We oppose the return of Vedanta and really if the government and the ministers care for Zambians then they should look for another investor to run KCM,” MrMumba said.
He said copper prices were now high and that an equitable partner would not only help the government by paying right taxes but would also ensure that the miners’ welfare were taken care of.
