MCM to inject US$1 billion in infrastructure development
Zambia: MCM to inject US$1 billion in infrastructure development
Mopani Copper Mines (MCM) will invest US$ 1billion in mine infrastructure development by 2012.
MCM chief executive officer Emmanuel Mutati said this in Kitwe today when he briefed the United Nations (UN) Resident Coordinator Kanni Wignaraja at general offices during her familiarization tour.
He said with this investment, the mine will expand its mine operations for another 25 years and increase job creation prospects in the country.
ZANIS reports that the mining conglomerate has since invested US$1.2 billion in infrastructure development at its two mine sites in Mufulira and Nkana since it started operations in the country
Mr. Mutati also stated the mining industry in the country is under capitalized, a situation that has made mine operations not to be high.
He said mine operations in the country are still not up to international standards because they depend on a huge labour force to do mine works other than technology.
He said this has affected levels of production.
The MCM CEO said the mining industry has run short of specialized technical staff to sustain mining operations.
He said since the turning of the Zambia Institute of Technology into the Copperbelt University, the mining industry has suffered a set back in terms of technological experts such as surveyors, ventilators and engineers who supported the industry.
He said the problem was compounded by the opening of Kansanshi and Lumwana mine in North western province where the industry on the Copperbelt has to share the limited number of technocrats.
Mutati said it was a big challenge for the mining companies who have now engaged the Chamber of Mines to discuss how the issue can be addressed.
And Ms. Wignaraja expressed happiness that the mine has taken interest in the social corporate responsibility especially on environmental concerns.
She said there are concerns over the attainment of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) by 2015 in areas where Zambia was lagging behind.
She said her organisation was looking at specific district interventions in education, health and environment sectors that can drive towards achieving MDGs by 2015.
She said through public private partnership local initiatives can be supported by the local development fund that will foster the attainment of the MDGs.
Ms. Wignaraja also toured the district health management board offices, Mindolo mine shaft and Mindolo Ecumenical Foundation.
Ce que l'on conçoit bien, s'énonce clairement, Et les mots pour le dire arrivent aisément. BOILEAU