By MILDRED KATONGO  –
THE Government has urged the Luanshya Copper Mines (CLM) not to shut down its mine, but invest more and find other avenues to continue operating and avert job cuts.
Mines Minister Christopher Yaluma said the mining company should focus on the operations of the closed Shaft 28, which has about 28 million tonnes of copper ore deposits, and ensure that it starts operating.
The Shaft is currently not operational because of underground flooding.
Mr Yaluma said this during a meeting with CLM management on the company’s current operations and future plans, and also occurrences of industrial unrest.

YALUMA

The minister said this when the CLM chief executive officer Wang Chunlai told him that the company had no plans beyond the 10-year lifespan of the Mulyashi project.
Mr Yaluma said there was need to put his views into consideration and start operating Shaft 28, which could help prolong mine life.
He said the Government valued the investment by the Chinese in the Luanshya Mine, and that they would like them to continue mining and care for the workers.
“My request is for you to concentrate on Shaft 28. Please put your heads together and give me the plans, whether it will mean opening it six years from now.
Mr Yaluma also appealed to the mine management to consider improving the conditions of service for the workers.
He said once the mines had recorded profits, it benefited both the company and the Government, hence the need for a fair deal to have workers given a fair remuneration that would not suffocate the company.
Mr Yaluma further appealed to management to call back the six miners who were suspended for participating in the protest.
He also said the negotiation between the unions and management would continue and that improving conditions of service would be considered.