NO nationalisation of mines,but Government participation wil

[Laf1986]

Mines Minister WILBUR SIMUUSA has said that the Patriotic Front government will NOT nationalise the mines. Mr SIMUUSA however, said government will increase its participation in the mining sector.

EFFIE MPANDE who is with the minister in SINAZONGWE reports that Mr. SIMUUSA insisted that government wants to ensure ordinary Zambians benefit from their mineral wealth.

Mr SIMUUSA was speaking when he met management at Mamba Collieries Limited. He assured management at Mamba Collieries that their investment at the firm is safe.

Mr SIMUUSA said government will fully support investors in the country to ensure that more jobs are created for them. The minister also said Zambia will soon start oil and gas explorations.

And Mamba Collieries Resident Director ASHWIN DEVINENI said Nava Bharat which took over the mine has made alot of progress in resuscitating the firm.

Mr DEVINENI said the company is investing one point two billion dollars in the mine. He also said Mamba Collieries is producing One hundred thousand tonnes of low and high grade coal per month.

ZNBC