By JAMES KUNDA –
AUSTRALIAN owned Majestic Copper Resources have stepped-up a bid to re-develop the copper slug heap  at the old Roan Mine in Luanshya.
Roan Member of Parliament Chishimba Kambwili said in an interview that the mining firm has already collected samples from the site to detect the amount of mineral ore present there.
Mr Kambwili said the company was expected to produce their findings to Government within the next three months, after which development of an additional copper mine in the area could commence.
“Majestic Copper Resources are an Australian owned firm who have expressed interest in developing the slug heap at the former Roan mine.
“They were in the country a fortnight ago to collect some samples and we expect them to present their findings within the next three months,” Mr Kambwili said.
He said once fully operational, the project was expected to create 600 new jobs for the local people.
And in a related development, Mr Kambwili said China Nonferrous Metal Mining Company (CNMC) will develop shaft 27 at the old Luanshya Mine to boost production and create additional jobs for the people.
Shaft 27 has been dormant for the past few years after it was flooded by former owners Binani Group.
“CNMC will start de-watering the flooded shaft and once operational, the facility will create 1,500 new jobs for the local people,” he said.
Mr Kambwili said when both  projects come to fruition, Luanshya would experience unprecedented economic boom as there will be more disposable income  to boost business.
“This will bring a lot of benefits to Luanshya as there would be disposable income for people to engage in thriving business activities,” he said.