RB re-opens Luanshya mine
24 December 2009
By KANGWA MULENGAPRESIDENT Banda yesterday commissioned the resumption of copper production at the former Luanshya Copper Mine (LCM). Mr Banda switched on power to the 11 kilometre conveyer belt which transported the first copper ore from Baluba Mine to the concentrator, exactly 183 days after China Non-Ferrous Copper Mine (CNCM) took over the mine.
The mine will now be called China Non-Ferrous Mining Company Luanshya Copper Mine (CLM).
Mr Banda and his entourage waited for almost 15 minutes to witness the first arrival of the copper ore from Baluba mine to the receiving bins.
When the first copper ore was received, there was jubilation from the miners, invited guests and several dignitaries who attended ceremony at the mine.
Other dignitaries at the ceremony were Vice President George Kunda, former President Kenneth Kaunda, cabinet and deputy ministers.
CNCM capital took over the mine from Enya Holdings, which had placed the mine under care and maintenance for six months.
And speaking at the commissioning ceremony, President Banda said he was happy that full production had resumed at the former LCM.
“Today, I am delighted that former LCM workers have their jobs back and I have come to celebrate with you at this important occasion which signifies a new dawn for the people of Luanshya,” he said.
Mr Banda said he was delighted that the new investor had lived up to the earlier pronouncement of commencing production at the mine before the end of this year and exactly 183 days after they took over the mine.
He urged the miners to work hard and cooperate with the investors.
Mr Banda said the amount of money CNCM has spent so far before the resumption of production is an indication that the new investor is in the country to stay.
CNCM has so far spent US$38 million to rehabilitate and replace obsolete equipment at the mine.
Mr Banda said he was hopeful that the resumption of production at the mine would create more jobs and other business activities in Luanshya for the benefit of the people.
“I have no doubt that following the resumption of production at this mine, more jobs will be created for the people and there will be increased economic activity, including contribution to our national treasury, and the mine suppliers will also benefit,” he said.
And Mr Banda has asked miners at CLM to give chance to the new investor to recoup the money pumped into the mine.
He said work stoppages would not benefit the miners because full production at the mine has just commenced.
President Banda said workers should support management through hard work because what MMD promised the people of Luanshya has finally come true.
“When I came here just after the mine was closed, a young union official thought I was joking when I assured them that Government will do everything possible to find a serious investor to take over the mine. But now I am happy that what we discussed with the union has finally come true today,” he said.
Mr Banda also commended the Mine Workers Union of Zambia for the support rendered to Government when the mine was put on care and maintenance.
He praised the miners for their patience when government was looking for another investor to take over the mine.
Earlier, President Banda praised Dr Kaunda for having accepted to be part of the ceremony.
Mr Banda said Dr Kaunda had always advised and taught him how to be a true servant of the people.
He said leaders who do not serve the people are not supposed to be in leadership.
“ I want to thank you, Dr Kaunda, whom I refer to as ‘Professor’ because of the many things you taught me on how to be a true servant of the people. What we are witnessing today is as a result of good leadership,” Mr Banda said.
He also commended the former President for pioneering the c-operation between Zambia and China.
And President Banda said he had invited Mr Kunda to be part of the ceremony since he was born and educated in Luanshya.
He said he wanted Mr Kunda to see the new development at the mine after CNCM took over operations.
“I think many of you are surprised that we are both here, which is not normally the case, but the reason I invited the Vice President is because I wanted him to come and be part of this historical ceremony. He was born and he got his education here and he is your own product, the people of Luanshya,” Mr Banda said.
[Zambia Daily Mail]
