Message Ven 3 Fév 2012 14:25

Glencore Intl : Zambia Copperbelt Energy Corp Seeks To Expan

Lusaka, ZAMBIA -(Dow Jones)- Copperbelt Energy Corp., supplier of electricity to Zambia's copper mines, has asked for expressions of interest to expand its power distribution infrastructure to meet additional energy demand from Mopani Copper Mine as the miner seeks to increase its metal output.

According to an advertised notice to prospective bidders seen by Dow Jones Newswires Friday, Copperbelt Electricity Corp. intends to increase power supply at its Nkana substation to support Mopani's expansion.

An optional pre-bid visit to Nkana has been earmarked for Feb. 13 while the closing date for submitting expressions of interest is Feb. 23.

Glencore International (GLEN.LN), the world's largest commodity trader, has completed constructing its $320 million Synclinorium shaft to extend the life of the mine in Kitwe by 25 years and increase copper and cobalt output at Zambia's third largest miner.

The Synclinorium project will provide Mopani with access to 115 million metric tons of copper and cobalt ore and boost ore production to 5 million tons a year by 2018 from the current 3.4 million produced, said Chief Executive Danny Callow in a statement recently.

The Synclinorium shaft project is one of the largest and deepest mining construction projects currently underway in Zambia.

-By Geoffrey Sinkamba, contributing to Dow Jones Newswires; jeff.kapembwa@gmail.com