President Hichilema’s Initiative Receives Praise for Luanshya Copper Mine Revival
Stakeholders and the business community in the mining sector of the Copperbelt region have commended President Hakainde Hichilema and his government for their efforts in revitalizing Luanshya Copper Mine Shaft 28.
Businessman Phesto Musonda highlighted the significance of Shaft 28 as a major source of high-grade copper concentrate and cobalt.
He expressed optimism that its full operationalization would lead to the reopening of Chambeshi Metals, positively impacting the economy of Luanshya and the broader Copperbelt through job creation and opportunities for small businesses.
The Mine Workers Union of Zambia President, Joseph Chewe, and the National Union of Miners and Allied Workers President, Saul Simujika, welcomed the news of Shaft 28’s dewatering with enthusiasm, citing the assurance of job security for workers.
They emphasized that this development would bolster copper production on the Copperbelt and attract substantial investments in the mining sector.
Costa Mwaba, President of the Mine Suppliers and Contractors Association, urged the government to prioritize local contractors in supplying jobs to the mine, emphasizing the importance of empowering local businesses.
Heartson Mabeta, Member of Parliament for Kankoyo in Mufulira, encouraged the youth set to benefit from job opportunities at the mine to invest in their future.
President Hakainde Hichilema recently commissioned the dewatering of Luanshya Copper Mine Shaft 28, a project estimated at $500 million.
Once fully operational, it is expected to create 3,000 jobs and produce 83,000 tonnes of copper annually, signaling a significant milestone in Zambia’s mining sector under the new administration.
