By Isaac Zulu
Green Party leader Peter Simkamba says the country cannot continue with the same promisory notes on KCM and Mopani, saying that the reduction in copper production at both KCM and Mopani Copper Mines has led to low productivity in the mining sector.
In an interview, Simkamba said that owing to the the continued low productivity has led to increased numerous social and economic challenges in communities, saying the situation needs urgent attention by those in authorities.
“The production capacity of KCM, before liquidation was reduced to 1 quarter of the said product. Copper production was in excess of $180,000 but has reduced to $40,00 per metric litres,” explained Simkamba. “But government should also know that the economic survival of the two mining giants, and the entire nation; is dependent on Konkola Copper Mines and Mopani Copper Mines because the two mining companies have been providing massive job creation, both informal and permanently.”
Sinkamba said that the UPND administration, Ministry officials and other Mining Sector like-minded stakeholders should consider engaging each other in continuous dialogue with a view to averting the continued illegal mining activities.
“We cannot continue on the same promissory notes. We anticipated that the UPND government would do things differently. Engage all stakeholders in the miniing industry, but that has not been the case,” said Sinkamba.
