By CHATULA KANGALI –
THE Government has urged mining firms in the country to diversify their operations to avoid laying off workers whenever mineral prices drop on the international market.
Copperbelt Deputy Permanent Secretary Elias Kamanga said in an interview in Ndola that there was need for mining firms to look for other business avenues other than mining to generate income.
He said that it was sad that people especially on the Copperbelt had continued to lose employment due to the fall of mineral prices such as copper on the international market.
Mr Kamanga said mining companies should look at other business avenues and opportunities to retain the workforce and continue contributing to the economic growth of the country.
Mr Kamanga said the Copperbelt Province was the most hit by the effects of the economic downturn and the slump in mineral prices which had resulted into thousands of people losing employment.
Last year, about 3,000 workers at Mopani Copper Mines in Luanshya were laid off while over 1,600 workers from Luanshya Copper Mines were put on forced leave after the management had put Baluba shaft under care and maintenance.
