Copperbelt Province Permanent Secretary Lawrence Mwanza has said that the resuscitation of Mines has contributed to the country’s economic growth. Speaking when he featured on a tv programme, Mr Mwanza stated that under the new management Mopani has pledged to produce 10 per cent of country’s target of 3 million metric tones copper by 2023 which will help boost the economy and improve people’s livelihood. He said the government, through President Hakainde Hichilema, brought in a team to look into Mopani mine which was on the verge of collapsing.
”New management was put in place and brought in enough funds to help pay up debts and past employees,” Mr Mwanza said Mr Mwanza added that taxes are being collected from the mines, which was helping to improve the economy. ”The economy from 2021 was 0.28 per cent, but now it is at 4.5 percent meaning the country’s economy is slowly being stabilised,” he said. He noted that increased production and favourable copper prices on the international market were also helping to stabilise the Kwacha.
He added that the revival of Shaft 28 in Luanshya has restored hope and optimism among the people of the Copperbelt. The PS said young people were undertaking mining courses for them to have employment opportunities. Mr Mwanza stated that the mine was abandoned years back, but the new Chinese investor has managed to pump out water to pave the way for full mining in August this year.
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The Permanent Secretary said the mine will create about 3000 jobs when production resumes in Luanshya town. He said no accident was recorded during the de-watering of the mines, which showed that the mine is safe for operation.
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