By CHATULA KANGALI –
THE African Consolidated Resources (ACR) and a Chinese firm are prospecting for phosphate in Chongwe District in Lusaka Province with a view of opening a fertiliser manufacturing plant in the area.
Phosphate is a rock that contains phosphorus which is used in the production of fertilisers for agriculture.
Mines and Mineral Development Permanent Secretary Paul Chanda said that ACR, a South Africa-based company and a Chinese firm were prospecting for phosphate in the southern part of Chongwe.
Mr Chanda said in an interview that the two firms were also in the process of opening up a fertiliser plant in the district.
“We have two firms that are working together, from South Africa and China that are prospecting for phosphate in the south-end of Chongwe and will soon start manufacturing fertiliser in the area,” he said.
Mr Chanda said the southern part of Chongwe was rich in phosphate deposits needed for fertiliser manufacturing.
He said that the production of fertiliser would improve the economic status of Chongwe District, which is heavily dependent on agriculture. Mr Chanda urged other local and foreign firms to explore for phosphate and other minerals in the country.
He said the Government was committed to diversifying the mining of minerals in the country for economic growth.
Currently, Nitrogen Chemicals of Zambia in Kafue manufactures phosphate and other types of fertiliser in the country. Another fertiliser plant is set to open in Kabwe in Central province.