.YALUMA

By JAMES KUNDA –

MUNALI Nickel mine in Mazabuka has finally commenced operations after nearly three years of dormancy that were characterised by changes in ownership owing to persistent operational challenges.
Mines, Energy and Water Development Minister Christopher Yaluma said in an interview that Zambia’s sole nickel mine had recently stated operating under the new owners Consolidated Mining and Investments Limited (CMIL) of Britain, who were now the major shareholders.
Mr Yaluma said CMIL were running the mine under a long-term joint venture agreement with Jinchuan Group of China, who were the previous co-owners of the facility alongside Albidon Limited of Australia.
He said Albidon Limited resolved to sell the mine to Jinchuan Group following persistent operational challenges and the Chinese firm decided to rope in CMIL as an equity partner to revive production.
Meanwhile, Mr Yaluma said Government was exploring prospects to maximise manganese mining in prominent mineral-belts such as Central and Luapula provinces.
He said the Government was particularly pursuing investors who would mechanise the manganese mining process and enable the country produce colossal quantities of the mineral.
Mr Yaluma said the construction of the 330 Kilovolts (KV) Pensulo-Kasama power line would boost electricity distribution to Luapula Province and inevitably propel growth in the manganese industry.
He has also announced that a delegation of Turkish investors was expected in the country soon to explore various areas of investment among them gold mining.