Message Mer 24 Juin 2015 12:17

Government grants KCM large-scale prospecting licence in Kas

KONKOLA Copper Mines has been granted a large-scale mining prospecting licence in the Lunga-Luswishi game management area, 108 kilometres in Kasempa. KCM intends to conduct explorations for copper, cobalt, gold, zinc and silver within the large-scale prospecting licence number 19135-HQ-LPL in Kasempa. But the Kasempa royal establishment has demanded that the mining company and the government tell the nation the practical measures that would be put in place to secure the game reserve area, wildlife, the environment as well as another investments. According to the Environmental Project Brief (EPB) prepared by the Africa Mining Consultants on behalf of KCM, the mining company had been given a large scale prospecting licence 19135-HQ-LPL, which was located south-east of Kasempa town and approximately 90 kilometres north of Mumbwa, few kilometres from the Kafue National Park. KCM has since indicated that it would spend US$2 million on the exploration project in the first 24 months. “The project’s rationale is that if a resource is discovered and is found to be economically and technically feasible, KCM will prepare a Bankable Feasibility Study and Environmental Impact Statement, applying for a mining licence and commencing mining activities in compliance with the Zambian regulatory system and international best practice. The proposed mineral exploration project by KCM in Kasempa is significantly important to continue minerals mining in Zambia,” read the EPB in part. According to the report, KCM had committed itself to contributing to the central and provincial government by remitting statutory taxes and that the project would generate casual employment opportunities for local Zambians. KCM further indicated that the project would increase local and national economic development by creating business opportunities for contractors and service providers. And the Zambia Environmental Management Agency has since called for comments on KCM’s Environmental Project Brief (EPB) for the proposed mineral prospecting activities in Kasempa. “The review process is supposed to take into account the concerns of all stakeholders. We wish to find out if the project is in compliance with your legal, institutional and management requirements. Please be informed that if we do not receive comments by the said date (June 10, 2015), the agency will in accordance with Part II, regulation 5 (1) to (4) of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) regulations, 1997 proceed to make a decision,” read ZEMA’s acting northern region manager Cliff Ngwata’s letter to senior chief Kasempa by. But Kasempa Royal Establishment Development Initiative chairman Henry Shantolo said the traditional leadership had raised serious concerns on how the government and KCM would manage the game reserve area, secure the animals and conduct mining activities at the same time. “We are demanding answers because there are many pertinent issues that must be addressed. The investment in that game reserve area, the animals are very important to us. With the mining activity, the animals will be at risk. Talk about the impact on the environment and the fact that there are many lodges that had been put up there, which is also another investment. So answers must be provided first,” said Shantolo. - See more at: http://www.postzambia.com/news.php?id=9 ... WHWxO.dpuf