President Rupiah Banda has commissioned the resumption of copper production at Luanshya Copper Mine (LCM) Plc which was closed after the former owners Enyo holdings placed it under care and maintenance in January this year.
The Resumption of production of copper at LCM will rekindle the hope that had eluded Luanshya district after 2,300 miners lost their jobs following Enyo holdings’ pull out due to negative effects of the global economic crisis.
President Banda said the resumption of production at LCM barely 11 months after it was placed under care and maintenance is testimony of governments concern over Zambian people’s welfare.
He said quick action by his government to find a new investor to take over the mine has resulted into the reopening of the mine.
He observed that LCM has for many decades now, been the main livelihood for the people in the district.
“This explains why government moved in quickly to find ways and means of recapitalizing the mine when the previous owners Enyo holdings announced their intention to put the mine under care and maintenance,” he said.
President Banda expressed confidence that the reopening of the mine will led to an improved quality of life of the people of Luanshya, and contribute to the country’s economic development.
He said he was delighted that the China Non-Ferrous Metal Mining Company (CMMC) has already employed 2,250 workers and hopes that more jobs will be created for the suppliers of goods and services to the mines.
Mr. Banda further expressed happiness that CMMC has already invested US$38 million in rehabilitating mining equipment and machinery in all surface and under ground plants.
“It is my desire to see this huge investment to benefit the people of Luanshya not only through job creation in the mines but also through the development of other industries that can be sustainable beyond mining,” he said.
President Banda has since thanked the people of Luanshya for remaining calm and peaceful after the mine was placed under care and maintenance.
He also paid tribute to National Union of Mine Workers (NUMW), Mine Union of Zambia (MUZ) and other trade unions for following the right channels to address the challenges that arose as a result of the placement of the mine under care and maintenance.
Mr. Banda has further implored employees and people of Luanshya to give support to the new investors and urged CMMC to respect and pay workers handsomely.
And Chinese Ambassador to Zambia Li Quiangmin pledged his country’s continued investment in the Zambian economy.
He assured that China will stand with the Zambian government during hard and favorable economic times.
Mr. Quiangmin said his government believes in withstanding the economic storm and promoting a win-win situation with countries in which it has invested.
“The Chinese company committed themselves to 3 NO’s which are ‘no reducing investment, no laying off employees, and no down sizing production,” he said.
He said China Non Ferrous Metal Mining Company which took over the running of LCM has reversed people’s perspective over Chinese investment in Zambia.
He said although Zambia and China where geographically miles away, the two countries enjoy long time-honorable friendship.
Mr. Quiangmin further pointed out that apart from the US$ 38 million already invested at LCM, CMMC will increase investment up to US$ 400 million in the next few years.
He further thanked the Zambian government for entrusting the take over of LCM in to the Chinese investment and for supporting the new investors during the hard economic times.
Meanwhile, LCM Chief Executive Officer Luo Xin’geng said CMMC has over come a series of difficulties through working together with the Zambian employees since it took over the mine on 24th June 2009.
Mr. Xin’geng said so far LCM has invested US$38 million and will increase the investment to US$170 million next year.
He assured that the Chinese investors will follow Zambian labour laws and respect culture and relay on Zambian employees to manage the mine.
“Moreover, we actively participate in the welfare of the community for the benefit of the people of Lunashya,”he said.
Present at the production resumption ceremony were Vice President George Kunda, first republic president Kenneth Kaunda, Mines Minster Maxwell Mwale, Commerce Minster Felix Mutati and his Energy counterpart Kenneth Konga.
Others were Labour Minister Austin Liato, Copperbelt Minster Mwansa Mbulakulima some Deputy Ministers and other senior government officials.
Also present were 14 Chiefs from within Luanshya district and beyond and some Chinese investors.
Meanwhile President Banda has met chiefs from various chiefdoms within the Copper belt province and held private talks with them.
ZANIS
At least some positive news today. Just when we were debating development on the other thread, LT flashes this headline…
fyaume, viva china man
well done RB. even Post had to put this great occasion as headline!! his speech was also very good. check post website
Me suggest that the secret service should help track all PF cadres working in the Chinese owned mines and factories then systematically flash them out of those jobs.Let xenophobic Sata employee and pay them at the PF secretariat where they gain skills in insulting and stirring bathtubs in market places and street corners shouting ubwana ubwato around the clock.The Chinese driven investment created jobs must be reserved for other Zambians who appreciate being employed.Let PF cadres wait until the day of their miracle in power and total re-nationalization of the economy.
Condoning PF cadres in these jobs, these chains of Grand scale investments risk being sabotaged by PF cadres who have proved to be indoctrinated arsonists in utopia.Their leader in resounding his narrow driven re-renationalisation utopia declared on VOA that he has incorrigible hatred for FDI and remains xenophobic to Chines investment even now.He said he is fighting them because they have brought nothing to talk home about.
Congratulations RB for making the lives of the pipo of Luanshya easy. God bless!!!
well done rupie….hope u wont show up in luanshya again after a few months with new owners…
His Excellency President RB Banda deserve our unflinching support in his spirited leadership of moving the country forward.He is a true altruistic statesman whose big thing is the welfare of Zambians and his enemies fought by his selfless service to the country.Americans say talk is cheap and RB is delivering within the 400 plus days.His self positioned enemies are now increasingly looking to be vacuous trolls than alternatives.
To the ruling MMD party, the RB Government administration and indeed all hardworking patriotic Zambians i say BRAVO!
What positive news? What are Zambians going to benefit other than the shait jobs they will be given?
Nine chali I need some data about Germany law on child support please email me at [email protected] thanks in advance
##3 what well done!???????
The whole issue of Chinese investments in Zambia and Africa as a whole leaves the xenophobic Sata look a typical subnormal i-d-i-o-t than a leader.One wonders on the failed judgment of HH for him to make himself a chola boy of Sata a retard who sees different colors and hope illiteracy is rewarded with the Zambian Presidency.
“RB said Vice-President Kunda was a role model of the young people of Luanshya and urged them to work hard at school so that they could one day head such high offices”.
Kambwili is the man- He worked very hard tyo pressurise the Government. All should remember how hard he worked.
BOMBER,
What did Kambwili do to the this good when he blindly vowed never to these same Chinese investors take over this mine.It is 2 months ago that he went back to the same chinese leaking for bread supply contracts.
That aside, i sympathize with Sata who starts the propaganda warfare even when he knows very well that he is lacking thriving propaganda skills or indeed supporter capable of driving through threads of winner’s propaganda for him. PF cadres are only skilled in insults and firing threats on independent professionals who expose their deficiencies.
Mwa kaunda- It was un head of for a common man to even see how an aple looks like. Toma umutwe, ques for commodidies wher every where. Just check around you. Most of the security guards working at shops where this essentials where found are no longer there. They are dead. Women exchanging their bodies for the items, such as cooking oil,soap. When you are approaching Zambia from other country Zambia was just like some neglected land. KK, finished this country.
Those congratulating Banda, what exactly has he done? Officiating the opening of a mine does not constitute achievement by the government. If anything this should have be officiated by the mayor of Luanshya. But because this president has nothing to do or contribute he had to steal the spotlight and take the credit. The taxes from the mine should in fact be ploughed back into developing the infrastructure in Luanshya including collection of garbage. But most likely most of the money goes to salaries of MPs and civil servants who don’t generate much of an income for the country.
Great that LCM has re-opened. Veteran with knowledge that you are a government employee remember this the opposition gives the nation a voice, RB and entourage had to pull out the stocks. China as much as you would love to counter were going to procure that mine, they and the US are responsible for 40% of carbon emissions in the world. China needs our copper, to everyone 99 to 100% of the electronic devices today have copper in their circuitry. I dream of a president for Zambia that shall be of moral precorgnition; then change follows.
RB is NOT Zambian and as such he has no allegiance to social and economic development of Zambia. RB comes from Zimbabwe, and he has shown all you sleepy Zambians his home village. He keeps sending maize to Zimbabwe bought by Zambian taxpayers. Look at the level of poverty in Zambia. RB is visionless, corrupt, dull, childish, jealousy, a drunkard, sleepy, extremely cruel and a child molester (how old is his wife; a quarter of his age; that’s his grand-daughter). Now, Zambia deserves better; surely we CANNOT have such animal for president!
I give credit were it is due Veteran so job well done on this one RB.
In place of all those ministers and Cardres why was it not the mines minister, the area Mp and at the least the copperbelt ministers the ones to officiate at this event. Just my two ngwee on the matter.
Literally the whole entire cabinet was shipped to Luanshya to witness the re-opening of Luanshya Copper Mine (LCM) Plc. Imagine the cost of flying them there and also the security cost nightmare of having the president and his deputy in the same place at the same time all just for showing people in Luanshya that they can be like Kunda. Nobody in Luanshya want to be anything Kunda is, especially healthwise. His political inclination is the right opposite of people in the Copperbelt while his perpetual lies and manipulation of the judiciary and APP’s office nauseats most people in Luanshya.
Last week i visited Harvard’s Kennedy school of Government were i have been blessed with a scholarly opportunity for 2010. When they realized that i come from Zambia, they confronted me on whether Zambians understand who Sata is a question that has left me shocked.
As i was detailing them on the Zambian democratic space, they oriented me into their library were i was spammed with the Munyama Commission report and a 2006 article widely carried by the South African M&G, the New York Times, Washington Post and The Wall Street Journal.They detailed me on his visit and presentation to the school forum some two years ago. Until now i wondering if Mr.Sata really has any political, public relations and policy advisers.I implore all Zambians that visit Harvard Kennedy School to listen to Ba Sata’s anti-China speech.The forum picked that he is not a stable or dependable politician you engage on strategic level.
Below is the report carried by many media houses:
Zambia challenger praises Mugabe
SHAPI SHACINDA | LUSAKA, ZAMBIA – Sep 28 2006
Zambian opposition leader Michael Sata praised the policies of Zimbabwe’s Robert Mugabe on Thursday as he voted in a close-fought election in which he threatens to dislodge the internationally respected president.
Sata, a fiery populist who has exploited popular discontent with government economic policies, has mounted a dangerous challenge to incumbent Levy Mwanawasa in Thursday’s poll, which analysts say is the closest since independence from Britain in 1964.
He hinted he would follow similar land reform policies to Mugabe in neighbouring Zimbabwe.
“What Robert Mugabe has done is sensible,” a grinning Sata (69) told reporters as he cast his vote in Lusaka after polls opened across the Southern African country.
“He hasn’t roasted any white persons. He has just taken back what belongs to them [Zimbabweans].”
Mwanawasa (58) has urged voters to give him a second and final five-year term, pointing to an economic record which has seen Zambia win about $7-billion in debt relief from Western donors, cut poverty and push economic growth above 5%.
But he has been forced on the defensive by Sata’s repeated attacks, which have painted him as a sell-out to foreigners, particularly Western donors and Chinese companies expanding their…
But he has been forced on the defensive by Sata’s repeated attacks, which have painted him as a sell-out to foreigners, particularly Western donors and Chinese companies expanding their interests in Zambia’s vast copper mines.
Sata has won fans by promising workers a bigger stake in state enterprise, major tax cuts and a 51% cap on foreign mine ownership.
The veteran politician, known locally as “King Cobra”, said he rejected notions that Mugabe was mistaken to have seized white-owned commercial farms to give to landless blacks, a policy many economists say has helped drive once-prosperous Zimbabwe to its knees.
“Mugabe hasn’t done anything wrong. It is the imperialists, the capitalist roaders who say he is a villain,” Sata said. “The people of Zimbabwe are not suffering. They are much happier.”
Sata repeated threats that his administration would get tough on foreign investors, particularly “bogus investors” who fail to contribute to Zambia’s welfare.
Discontent
Sata’s Patriotic Front has won many converts among ordinary Zambians, who despite the billions in debt relief and huge foreign investments in their nation’s copper wealth have seen little going into their pocketbooks.
“I’m here to vote in order to change the system. I am a very dissatisfied citizen,” said Stephen Mukuka, a 35-year-old Lusaka businessman who was at the front of the queue at one polling station. “We want better things for Zambians.”
Mwanawasa’s opponents say the president is not fit to lead Zambia after suffering what was described as a minor stroke in April. Mwanawasa has rejected the charge, saying he is “fit as a fiddle”.
The president, who leads the ruling Movement for Multiparty Democracy, urged Zambians in a televised address late on Wednesday to reject what he has called Sata’s “sugar coated promises”.
“Our current quest for economic emancipation is being supported by other friendly countries,” he said. “If we are to alienate ourselves from these sister countries, our quest will take longer to achieve if not [end up] futile.”
Mwanawasa and Sata each have been tipped to win in different opinion polls, meaning Thursday’s vote is likely to be very close.
Polls are due to close at 6pm [4pm GMT], and it could take several days for a victor to emerge.
Five candidates are running for president but only one other, Hakainde Hichilema of the United Democratic Alliance, is expected to attract much national support in the election, which will also seat a new Parliament and municipal councils.
Patriot, their is always a negative draw to foreign investment. With the seven billion cancelled goverment like Botswana did should have been aggressively been pushing for indigenous investors of all creed and branch of Adam. Foreign investment is a boost and alternative power like an ethanol/ natural gas plant; local investment is likehydro electric power you always need it, while the former could be applied to some but never all of the populace.
Patriot @ #4 & #5
You started off very badly here and was actually ready to blast you. That is cheap comments there. However, by the record at Harvard its good to have this information, however, MMD is NOT the party for Zambia and Zambians have the right to change it as we will in 2011 (iwe 2010 isa bwangu twambe ukulanda ati NEXT YEAR zwaa!) in the same way UNIP was booted out. MMD is a rubbish (understatement) party now with completely no hope for Zambia. It stinks of Kafupi and rot.
Sata may not be the best but we all have seen his practical work which MMD cant offer. Anyway, the report can be seen in the Western perspective, what they want to see, what they want to hear.
I would never work for a MINING company owned by a Chinese firm for my own safety.
If any person of influence is reading this, lets be serious with our labour laws as well as ensuring that mining safety regulations (which are law) are implemented by investors. These two issues are of GREAT importance.
That’s very good idea from our President. But the Chinese have to make sure that they put safety measures like safety boots, masks, overalls etc before they embark on employing our brothers. We do not want shoddy safety clothes from Chines. Please let them respect Zambians. Going underground is not as safe as anyone can think.
Yes he was in Luanshya opening the mine BUT what was he doing at Baluba motel with those Lamba chiefs buying them beer??? RB fears to talk with Namulambe face to face but resorts to intoxicating our traditional leaders with beer in return for support. This is s.h.i.t thinking and behaviour.
Whatever you say , this is a good ocasion. Zambia has about 400,00 formal jobs of which about 120,000 are in the Government leaving only about 280,000 in the private sector. Now when 2,500 are secured, it is great news. # 9 you may have a great job but all those 2,000 =+ pipo will lynch if you ask them to give up these jobs. They need them. As for Chinese investment do you actually want us to reject it, when the rest of the world is fihghting for it. Even the USA, the Worlds biggest economy relied on them to get out of the crisis. Lets not be negative and cynical. Let encourage positive strides even when we detaste the leader who has brought them
Ba patriot, did ba sata snatch a girl from you? why such stupid hatred agaist him. By the way, who are you to lecture us about him? Remember we are all zambians and we deeply know who sata is.STUPID *****.
when are these characters going to stop this idea of parading chiefs?. I concur with someone who said the mayor of Luanshya or MP was supposed to officiate at LCM. RB, George, cabinet guys and 14 chiefs all assembled in LY, what a waste of time and taxpayers money.
#28 Patriot & friends must be very confused people. Congratulatons for what?. A mine that has been operational since 1934 without disruption and at full production until 1995 when they closed 18 shaft and 1996 when these imbicile MMD that took over had othr corrupt ideas. Whats more infuriating is RB. complete complete liar thats blames all his lack of forsight abd action on Credit crises, which eluded most developing countries. The fact of the matter is the MINE was SOLD to a DODGY investor ENYA who had no credentials under very suspicious corrupt circumstances by LPM and MMD with no regard for us that opposed this transaction. Under the same RB the guy decides to scoot after making their money and we should be happy because we have Chinese now. S.T.U.P.I.D
At long last we have NEWS! congrats RB. dont relax this cud be yo turning point.
PATRIOT and your friends.. Chinese are all over Africa looking for raw materials and with the high copper price many venture capital companies looking for Copper mines.. DAAHHHHH dummy there was always a buyer for the mines s.i.l.l.y . Even I could have sold the mine half asleep.. cheap chaps trying to gain mileage over something they messed up in the first place. You crap in ur pants, wahs your self up and want us to congratulate you.. nonsense. Jobs .. what jobs. under ZCCM Luanshya division had a work force of 12,000 trained Zambians, half of who died from misery MMD caused and I should smile because 2000 are back in employment after all they were employed even before.. You should be ashamed RB. u were acting Pres.2008 and VP before what have you done?
All investors are after profit making. The only solution is to empower locals to buy mines. If we ca afford to Roger Ramjet $6.7m we can also be able to open a mine.
Well, at least he was not off on a plane to some meaningless UN or AU meetings in New York or Libya, respectively!!
As for Sata, I think it is time for him to grow up and start acting like a ‘States Man’ than a leader of Secondary School “Debating club”. My fellow Zambians, let us not sell ourselves short and settle for “Washed-up” politicians, such as Sata/RB, whose time have come and gone. Presidential material needs some depth and substance in their way of thinking and debating skills. Not the kind of nonsense Sata displayed on VOA last week—-frightening to think that this man may one day end up occupying State House.
Hey digga, thanks for the history but also note that this mine has been troubled for some time. Fact: when the mine was advertised only three bidders responded. so no this is not a top mine that you can sell blindfolded. It is actually a hihg cost mine that most mining houses are not interested in. FACT: A problem came last year after the crisis and RB of the MMD ( who in your opinion spolit the mine) had to rise to the occasion and indeed they did am quite good time and this was hailed by most stakeholders as one of the fastest and most transparent interventions.. lets give credit where it is due . Actually after the pull out of anglo from Kcm in 1002/3. there was even talk of closing the mine and turning Luanshya it into a tourist resort
Oh and digga I must add that when the chinese are looking fr resources they are in business so they are for high profit ventures and Government has to provide this conducive enviroment or risk turning Luanshya into a living hell
Positivist.. Good that you realise there’s nothing to congratulate cause even you are capable of selling through sealed bid process. As you correctly point out the 3 interested parties came forth after advertising and the really really really tough exceptional challenge & decision of who amongst the 3 to choose had to be made. oh how tough!!.(sarcasm). I can’t even imagine. damn. Goverment are complete geniuses! Einstein eat your heart out figuring out nuclear fission was nothing! serious Zambian brains overcame the toughest challenge ever faced by mankind of deciding between Vedanta & China Non ferrous! give me a break.
Positivist @ 42 History update:. If it wasnt for MMD’s incomptence Luanshya mine would stil be vibrant- no need for the Chinese. 1) MMD under Chiluba sold the mine to the dubious Binani who run the mine down and then bolted- IT IS A FACT
2) Enter Levy- He refused to sell the mine to the owners of Chambishi Metals owners who wanted to use the Baluba cobalt for their plant- KATUMBI MOSES had banned DRC concentrates exports.Levy decided to sell the mine to JW his friends who later bolted citing low Cu prices. 3) Lack of feed caused the Chambeshi Metals to shut their plant. ALL THESE ARE FACTS. All MMD has done is like hiding something, the pretend to have found it or mug some body the pretend to rescue him since he didnt see your face.
Twashitisha ichalo bane!
Yes both de ja vu and digga assuming your version is right. When a problem arose, the governmemt responded and the decisions they made are putting Luanshya back to where it was before the crisis. Even if sata , einstein or Obama was there. They would have had to repsond to the situatiion at hand and if the mine closed they would have desrved some criticism , like wise when the mine opens and recommences operations then they deserve credit. Dont be so spitefull. A situatiom like the Luasnshya required a response and got one. We should actually be happy that no mine closed in the country. I always say if one can not be happy at such an occasion then they are just like veteran . who only sees gold in everything the difference is you are seeing blood instead.
So as much as you dislike this MMd and probably justifiably so. A point when Luanshya mines comes alive restoring the dead town and providing 2,500 jobs is great time . If yoy liken MMD to a Murderer , then i say Kind of like when the murderer next door saved a life
So as much as you dislike this MMd and probably justifiably so. A point when Luanshya mines comes alive restoring the dead town and providing 2,500 jobs is great time . If you liken MMD to a Murderer , then i say this is Kind of like when the murderer next door saved a life. Be objective
it is not just about digging copper and being taken away;; but how this will benefit the poverty stricken zambian ;; when I came to zambia in 2008 i found that almost all the roads where potholed, yet mining was at its full capacity . what does that mean to you , if the nation doesnt benefit from the mining then there is nothing happening to chear up zambians
@48
Positivist pa ZED: What I have said is true. I live in Zambia and I have seen all the events physically. Read my last lines. Iam sure you are well read and I assume you have read the story of the Emperor Nero. Just in case you havent read it let me just recount it. Nero set fire to Rome and put the blame on the Christians. This what the MMD have been doing to Luanshya. Yes the Chinese have moved in and they will manage because they save money by paying low wages, by using Chinese prisoners and not inesting in SHEQ – Safety, Health, Enviroment, Quality.