By JAMES KUNDA –
THE Mineworkers Union of Zambia (MUZ) has said the revival of the Collum Coal Mine in Sinazongwe is key to the provision of additional jobs in the coal mining industry.
MUZ general secretary Joseph Chewe has, however, called on the Chinese investor running the mine to uphold safety and labour laws.
Government last week reinstated the 25-year mining licence of Collum Coal mine to its Chinese owners after it was revoked in 2013 for breach of safety and labour laws.
The Chinese investor has since made a fresh capital injection of US$50 million into the mine, resulting in the creation of nearly 200 new jobs.
Mr Chewe said in an interview yesterday that his union was happy with the development as it would contribute significantly to the availability of jobs and coal for the local market.
“We welcome the reopening of the mine which has been dormant for the last two years. It is really a good move that will contribute to job creation and beef-up the supply of coal to meet the local demand,” he said.
Mr Chewe said the investor should strive to improve conditions of service for the workers so that the mine maximises productivity to satisfy market demand.
He said the Mine Safety Department  should keep a close eye on operations at the mine to ensure adherence to safety demands.
“Issues of safety and improved conditions of service for the employees are of great importance and the Mine Safety Department should ensure that all loopholes are sealed so that the regulations are not abrogated,” he said.
Collum Coal is the only other functional coal mining firm in Zambia apart from Maamba Collieries, also located in Sinazongwe.