By REBECCA MUSHOTA –
THE commissioning of the US$2 billion Sentinel Mine in Solwezi is set for June 2014, First Quantum Mine (FQM) Government affairs manager John Gladston has said.
According to a Press statement released by Mr Gladston, the first phase of the Sentinel Mine which is 150 kilometre west of Solwezi, is expected to be commissioned in June this year.
Mr Gladston said based on current schedules, and if the power supply agreement with Zesco was resolved on time, it was expected to commission the first phase of Sentinel in June 2014.
Mr Gladston said this would be a significant development for both Zambia and FQM.
“We anticipate that Sentinel will be a major contribution to the continuation of Zambia’s strong economic growth record. We expect that the new mine will trigger secondary infrastructure development, best captured by the planned new town at Kalumbila, 120 kilometres west of Solwezi,” he said.
Mr Gladston said the commissioning of the mine would also provide employment, augment Government revenues, foster growth of diversified
industries and enhance the sustainability of local communities.
The company was also engaged in sustained dialogue with all the stakeholders to ensure that their contribution bore on the success of Sentinel Mine.
He said FQM remained grateful to Government for its strong support to the project.
