By MOFFAT  CHAZINGWA –

MOPANI Copper Mines (MCM) management is yet to decide the fate of about 4,000 miners whose jobs have been on the line following the company’s decision to reduce labour in the wake of economic challenges affecting the mining company.
Mineworkers Union of Zambia (MUZ) president Nkole Chishimba on Monday announced that MCM management told mine unions that the company had initiated the process of declaring about 4,000 miners redundant.
Mr Chishimba at a joint Press briefing by MUZ, National Union of Miners and Allied Workers, United Mineworkers Union of Zambia (UMUZ) and Zambia Union of Nurses Organisation (ZUNO) cited low copper prices, power deficit, non-refund of VAT by the Government and the depreciation of Kwacha as the reasons behind MCM’s decision.
But MCM public relations manager Cephas Sinyangwe said the mining firm had not yet made a decision on the issue of job cuts as it was still undertaking a study to determine best possible ways to deal with the financial challenges.
Mr Sinyangwe said the company was currently in constant engagement with the unions who were expected to suggest possible ways of mitigating the challenges.
“Kindly take note that Mopani is undertaking a study to determine best possible ways to deal with the financial challenges it is facing.
“The company is committed to working with all stakeholders, including the Government and unions, to find a solution,” Mr Sinyangwe said.