By Mubanga Mubanga
Mine Workers Union of Zambia (MUZ) president Joseph Chewe says if the three million tonnes of Copper production is achieved by 2030, it will change the face of the country in terms of job creation and economic development.
And Chewe said the country is on the right track in terms of achieving the targeted Copper production by 2030.
Last week, Mines minister Paul Kabuswe said the country was on the right direction in terms of achieving three million tonnes of Copper production by 2030.
Speaking in an interview, Chewe echoed Kabuswe’s sentiments and attributed the move to new greenfield mines coming up.
“If you heard the minister very correctly, he tabulated from the new green field. So I think it is reachable, it is manageable. If we move at the pace we are moving, they are bringing more greenfield, we will reach three million tonnes. It will also require that the workers can, at every mine get motivated, produce and meet the target which will in turn achieve the national target of three million,” Chewe said. “I think we are on course, we believe that the coming in of new greenfield will make us reach that target and especially that even other traditional mines, I think the efforts have been there to bring back on track. We are also positive as the labour movement.”
Chewe further called on all workers in the mining companies to put in their level best, if the goal were to be achieved.
“That is why it is important that we achieve that target, the country will no longer be the same in terms of economic development and job creation, as well as resources to the national treasury,” he said.
Chewe attribute the good policy environment by the UPND administration as aiding progress towards 3 million tonnes.
“Of course to some extent, to the extent even the target came from the President himself, President HH, who set a target on behalf of the country. He is looking at achieving that target,” said Chewe. “We might have been down, but what is important is that the President had set a target for us to achieve.”
