By MOFFAT CHAZINGWA –

THE Mineworkers Union of Zambia (MUZ) has expressed happiness with development activities taking root in Kalumbila area in Solwezi District spurred by mining activities there.
Kalumbila Mine operations have commenced with the smelter which is already running, and the mine is fully active.
MUZ general secretary Joseph Chewe said Senior Chief Musele’s area, where the mine is located, is currently undergoing marked transformation in terms of social and economic development.
Mr Chewe visited the mine area at the weekend during a tour by First Quantum Minerals to check on various development projects taking place in the location.
He said in an interview in Kitwe yesterday that the mining project had raised the profile of not only Solwezi but North-Western Province as a whole.
Mr Chewe said the development of Kalumbila Mine was bringing with it trickle-down benefits to the locals and country’s economy.
“We have so far seen the development of a town in Kalumbila and the good thing is that Kalumbila has opened up private enterprises and individuals to take up business ventures in terms of infrastructure development,” Mr Chewe said.
He called on investors to explore the potential that the mine had ignited in Solwezi by venturing into various businesses that could create jobs and empower the local populous.
Mr Chewe also implored the mine management to engage as many Zambians as possible in the running of the mines.