Mining - Mopani Won't Close MUF, Nkana Mines

MOPANI Copper Mines (MCM) has shelved plans to place Nkana and Mufulira mines under care and maintenance, Company Secretary Kyansenga Chitoshi announced in a statement yesterday.

Mrs Chitoshi said the decision follows the implementation of the cost reduction programme coupled with slight improvement of copper prices on the international market.

"Following a detailed review of its mining operations, Mopani expects to achieve a significant cost reduction through the implementation of a range of cost containment programmes.

"This, together with a slightly improved copper price environment, has enabled Mopani to make the decision to continue with its mining operations at both Nkana and Mufulira rather than place the shafts on care and maintenance," Mrs Chitoshi said.

Early this month, Mopani indicated that it would close Mufulira Mine and lay off 1,400 employees by April 14, sparking complaints from the Mineworkers Union of Zambia (MUZ).

But the Government declared the move null and void, indicating that the mine should have given a 90-day notice to the director of mines, as provided for under section 34 of the Mines and Minerals Act.

Mrs Chitoshi said the firm would re-evaluate the untapped synclinorium ore body, a resource of about 100 million tonnes located below the existing Nkana South and Central shaft ore bodies.

"The aging ore bodies currently being mined are now nearing the end of the productive lives. The board of directors has, therefore, resolved to re-evaluate the potential of the synclinorium ore body," she said.

She said the measurers which had been put in place would significantly contribute to the sustainability and prolong the life-span of the mines and secure a better future for the workers