Chambishi smelter to create more jobs Launch denotes Govt

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Chambishi smelter to create more jobs

Launch denotes Govt efforts in attracting foreign investors

By TIMES REPORTER

PRESIDENT Rupiah Banda yesterday commissioned the multi-million dollar
Chambishi Copper Smelter (CCS), which will process about 150,000 tonnes of copper per year and employ 600 people.

Mr Banda, who also commissioned a power sub-station, called on mining companies on the Copperbelt and North-Western provinces to utilise the smelter.

He said the plant was a step towards the economic progress that the Government anticipated through the multi-facility economic zone.

The president was glad that the smelter had already made arrangements to process copper concentrates from Lumwana and was already treating concentrates from Chambishi, Chibuluma and Kansanshi mines.

He was also happy that the smelter had created more than 600 jobs for Zambians, a sign that the Government was succeeding in attracting direct foreign investment and creating jobs for its people.

He said the Government was actively fighting poverty and that foreign investors were an important part of the struggle to improve the quality of lives for the Zambian people.

“I, therefore, appeal to all members of civil society to interpret Government actions positively as we make effort to bring in foreign investment.

“Where there are ideas on how to further improve or enhance Zambia’s relationship with foreign investors and make them more profitable, those ideas are always welcome,” he said.

He noted that China supported Zambia through the financial recession by not downsizing or closing their companies but that it instead increased investments in Luanshya and Kabwe.

Mr Banda urged the investors to work within the Zambian laws in relation to mine safety and environmental protection.

The president also commissioned a power sub-station and hailed CCS and Zesco for putting up the structure at a cost of US$28 million.

China Non–Ferrous Metal Mining Group Limited (CNMC) holds 60 per cent shares in the station while Zesco holds 40 per cent.

Mr Banda urged Zesco management, when he toured the station, to work hard and turn the company around and ensure more revenue was generated.

Chinese Ambassador to Zambia, Li Qiangmin said the plant was completed in record time of slightly more than two years instead of the projected four years.

Mr Li was happy with the $800 million investment already made in the economic zone.
He also said CCS output would ensure a $300 million increase in Zambian exports.

CNMC vice-president Keli Zhang said the company was working on plans to expand the CCS plant to increase its production capacity to 250,000 tonnes per year.

He said the company would spend more than $200 million in the expansions that would also guarantee further employment opportunities.

Meanwhile, President Banda urged people on the Copperbelt not to lose hope in Zambia’s future due to careless talk from a few individuals.

“Everyone should continue working hard and be assured that there is no
problem in this country because I have been round to Livingstone,
Kasama, Chipata and there is no problem anywhere,” Mr Banda said.