The Chinese investor taking over operations of the closed Albidon Nickel mine in Mazabuka has pledged to resume full scale operations following the successful completion of negotiations with the Zambian government.
Jinxhuan General Manager, Xining Xin told Mazabuka District Commissioner, Tyson Hamaamba when he paid a courtesy him that, his company was in hurry to resume operations.
Mr Xin said full scale operations will resume once a workplan submitted to the mine board of directors has been approved.
He said under the plan, management seeks to bring in modern equipment, Chinese technical staff,more funding for re-investment to the mine and recruitment of local people through job opportunities.
Mr Xin said all expartriate technical staff would go back to Chinese after local people have been trained on how to operate and maintain the modern mine equipment.
He said the management will also continue with the resettlement programme of people who were displaced as a result of the openning of the mine.
Mr Xin said Jinxhaun will build a school, clinic and help the community in boosting agriculture activities for the local community as earlier agreed between the previous management of Albidon.
He further told the DC, his administration would like to promote a good working relationship with community to foster industrial harmony.
And District Commissioner, Tyson Hamaamba said the people of Mazabuka are happy with the government for working hard to find an investor to run the closed mine.
Mr Hamaamba said the re-opening of the mine will create job opportunities and add value to the economical status of the district.
He said the people are particularly impressed with President Rupiah Banda for wooing Chinese investors to take over the running of the mine.
He however advised the mine management always keep his office informed on any developments whether good or bad.
ZANIS
I dont know for nickel but for our Copper; Zambians lets wake up. Lets petition the Govt to re-introduce this tax. Our leaders seem not to care about our God given natural resources. God gave these resources to Zambia to enrich the citizens but what is happening is the so called investors are benefiting most at the expense of the local people who will remain with craters in the areas after these investors go away.
This is very good news for the people of Mazabuka who have been waiting for the mine to re-open. However government should ensure that local contractors are engaged in some of contracts.
come on choncholis,pleas am even kissing your feets.you are the only true investors i know.please choncholis come and save albidon not even the british and the americans can bring their money to us and please pay as you can.
Countrymen and women, are we so blind as not to see that the chinese are striping us of our resources with no regard for our wellbeing whatsoever (low salaries and very poor conditions of service ) in relation to the australians who previously run Albidon. I foresee these problems and more if our sorry goverment goes ahead with allowing the so called investors to run the mines. Too bad our leaders are not smart enough and think this is the only best solution available for the country. No!