Cobalt mine to open in June
http://www.daily-mail.co.zm/index.php?option=com_k2&view=ite…
A MULTI-MILLION US-dollar cobalt mine expected to create about
1,000 jobs is set to open in June in Chililabombwe, Mines deputy
minister Richard Musukwa has disclosed.
Caledonia Nama Limited, which is owned by Canada-based Caledonia
Mining Corporation, was last year directed to meet a number of
conditions for it to continue holding the mining license and to
ensure that it commences cobalt production by the end of June this
year.
Mr Musukwa, who last week met Caledonia Nama Limited management to
check on progress in opening the mine, said preparations have
advanced and the mine is set to open in June.
“Government is happy that the cobalt mine is finally opening this
June with jobs in excess of 1,000 expected to be created,” he
said.
He said this in Lusaka yesterday.
Mr Musukwa said apart from the cobalt mine, Caledonia Nama Limited
is expected to develop a copper sulphide ore mine.
Nama was awarded four large-scale mining rights in 2008 covering
860 square kilometres.
He said Government will continue to support investments that aim at
creating jobs for the local communities in line with the PF
manifesto, which attaches great importance to job creation.
Meanwhile, Mr Musukwa said Government has tightened supervision and
monitoring of mining operations to ensure that no mine
under-declares their profits.
“Government has stepped up supervision of the mining industry so
that we can close up all loopholes that prevent the country from
collecting adequate revenue from mining,” he said.
He said it is saddening that despite being the largest copper
producer in Africa, the country is not realising meaningful
benefits from the resources.
“If properly organised, mines can contribute in the provision of
social amenities such as schools, roads and hospitals and also
contribute in the development of sub-sectors and create jobs,” he
said.