• PRESIDENT Edgar Lungu (right), accompanied by Collum Coal Mining Shaft Six Limited managing director Xu Jian Lin (second from right), inspects the mine in Sinazongwe yesterday. Picture by SALIM HENRY/STATE HOUSE

By SYLVESTER MWALE –
PRESIDENT Edgar Lungu has re-commissioned the Collum Coal Mine in Sinazongwe District in Southern Province which is set to employ more than 1,000 workers.
The mine, which will resume its operations on Tuesday, was placed under care and maintenance in 2012 after the Government revoked the license of Collum Coal Mining Industries due to persistent breaches of regulations.
However, President Lungu said the Government had decided to give back the mine to the Chinese firm after assurance that necessary measures have been taken to improve the operations.
He warned that the Government will be left with no option but repossess the country’s only underground coal mine again if there is no change in the safety and operational standards.
The Chinese firm in 2012 persistently failed to comply with mining regulations.
As well as failing to provide personal protective equipment to its employees, the company could not afford to pay mineral royalty tax.
Mr Lungu warned that the Government would not hesitate to close the mine once again if there was no improvement of operations.
In 2010, more than 10 miners were shot at the mine by Chinese managers after labour disputes, while then Southern Province Minister Alice Simango could not hold back  tears upon seeing employees working without safety garments.
Mr Lungu directed the ministry of Mines to ensure that safety is guaranteed before full operations resumed.
He also directed Chinese managers at the company to familiarise themselves with the local traditions and culture to avert misunderstandings.
The President also assured that no one would die from hunger following poor rains because his Government is currently assessing the needs of the people in different parts of the country.
Earlier, Collum Coal Mining Industries general manager Xu Jain Xue said the handing over of the mine is a sign that the Government has confidence in the Chinese firm.
Mr Xu said the company had committed to invest about US $40 million in the next four years for infrastructure renovations and development as well as exploration.
The company further intends to increase its production capacity from the current 12, 000 tonnes per month to over 40, 000 tonnes.
Chief Sinazongwe said in his vote of thanks that the reopening of the mine would change the economic outlook of the district and assured the Head of State that traditional leaders will support efforts aimed at developing the country.
Meanwhile President Lungu also toured the ongoing construction of Sinazeze Market, where scores of residents lined up in the streets to catch a glimpse of him.
Earlier, traditional leaders in Southern Province said they are concerned with continued attacks and insults aimed at President Lungu by both the opposition and some media houses.
Chief Chikanta of the Tonga people said the presidency deserved respect and urged critics to be fair and objective.
He was speaking on behalf of other traditional leaders when President Lungu paid a courtesy call on them before commissioning Collum Coal Mine.
The traditional leader said the chiefs in the area were ready to support President Lungu in delivering development because it is the role of the chiefs to work with the Government of the day.
President Lungu assured that the implementation of developmental projects by his Government will not follow the voting patterns experienced in 2011.