…over 3, 000 jobs to be created
By MERCY MULENGA
Kumbele Mining Company Limited intends to invest US $150 million in reclaiming low grade copper in Chingola’s Luano area of Kapisha.
The mining firm under the Chinese investors among them two UK nationals based in China will be using a hydrometallurgical process to reclaim the copper.
The mine in question will see over 2, 000 youths employed during the construction phase and over 1, 000 during the operational phase.
Speaking via a radio program on Kokoliko FM radio, Phalen Kamona the Lead Consultant for the Environmental Impact Assessment team for Kumbele Mining Company Limited said few weeks ago they went through the scoping process for the EIA to inform the residents on the mining activities to commence in the area.
Ms Kamona has disclosed that the EIA team will carry out studies to see what is found around the mine license area among them sensitive areas that needs to be taken care of.
She said above all, the mine will see a number of local youths and employed as soon as work commences.
And Kapisha Ward Councilor Davis Mulenga has welcomed Kumbele Mining Company Limited taking over the dumpsites in his ward.
Speaking via a telephone interview, Mr Mulenga said as much as the move to establish a mining company in Luano is a welcome move, there is need to compensate the would be affected residents in the same area.
He said the developer must consider the youths in the area in terms of employment.
Mr Mulenga has charged that the area has recorded a number of violence and illicit activities due to lack of order amongst small scale miners known as the Jearabos adding that if not compensated will cause anarchy.
He has since called on the people in the area to welcome the move as it will bring a lot of development.
