RESOLVE OUTSTANDING ISSUES ON MOPANI – SIMUKONDA

By Jessica Mwansa

MINING Expert Edward Simukonda has observed the need to expedite the processes of resolving outstanding issues at Mopani Copper Mine.

Speaking to The Scoop, Mr. Simukonda said Mopani, just like Konkola Copper Mines which was recently given back to Vedanta, required an urgent solution because the two mining giants were facing similar problems.

“Mopani has been dormant for a long time, which is not good for the economy of the Copperbelt and the country at large. It should therefore be worked on just like KCM,” Mr. Simukonda said.

He observed that the Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development in collaboration with other relevant authorities should do more in promoting sanity in the sector and have all underperforming officers removed from the system.

“The appointed officers should work to ensure there is sanity in the sector and they should show the desired commitment or let them be removed from the systems,” he said.

He added that there was a need to have more small-scale miners supported with finances to increase their production.

“Small scale miners remain at the centre of economic development and the Government should therefore scale up efforts aimed at improving their operating environment. There is a need to build access to finance and other forms of support to small mining cooperatives and other entities,” he said.

He further noted that the full operation of Mopani and KCM would change the face of the Copperbelt.