polémique et mise au point
By KATONGO CHISUPA
GOVERNMENT has lashed out at some critics who have accused the Lumwana Mining Company (LMC) of exposing its workers to unacceptable levels of radioactivity in its uranium mining project.
Government says the company is complying with internationally acceptable standards set by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development Deputy Minister Gabriel Namulambe told journalists in Solwezi recently that Government is happy that the company is conforming to standards in the handling of uranium ore.
Mr Namulambe, who was speaking shortly after touring the mine, assured that there is no health risk to those handling uranium ore and those in the surrounding areas.
He said workers are not exposed beyond the IAEA-limited levels of exposure. Mr Namulambe said that the exposure is in fact far way below the limit.
He also said the levels of air pollution are almost zero.
The minister warned those attacking the mine to stop issuing alarming statements on the issues they do not understand.
“When processing starts things will be done properly and people of this area are very safe,” he said.
He advised workers and residents not to worry.
Mr Namulambe also stated that there is no need for a specified government policy on uranium because other mining regulations related to uranium are already in place.
He said those who argue for the policy should provide concrete suggestions for possible amendment of the law related to the mining of uranium.
Meanwhile, Mr Namulambe said he is impressed by the amount of investment at Lumwana.
He hoped that Zambia will attain one million tonnes copper production mark per annum in the near future.
Mr Namulambe commended the company for its corporate social responsibility, which he said is very good.
The LMC has spent K8 billion in the last two years, mostly on infrastructure development.
LMC managing director Adam Wright said the company’s priority is safety for all people.
He said that the company is complying with international regulations and that workers are not being exposed to high levels of radioactive materials.
Mr Wright said the mine will construct a uranium plant to process the ore which is currently being stockpiled.
He also told the minister that the company had produced 74,000 metric tonnes of copper in the first quarter of this year, making a significant contribution to copper production in the country.