. Thole

By MILDRED KATONGO –
THE Luanshya Copper Mine (LCM) has announced plans to reopen its Baluba mine this year, with US$13 million to be pumped into the operation.
LCM’s Baluba mine was placed on care-and-maintenance in 2015 forcing more than 1, 600 workers to be on leave.
LCM deputy chief executive Officer Wang Jingjun said his company was looking forward to reopening Baluba mine after the increase in copper prices on the world market.
Mr Wang said during a meeting with Luanshya Mayor Nathan Chanda, in Luanshya yesterday that reopening of Baluba Mine would be enhanced by concerted efforts from the Government and the community,” he said.
This is contained in a statement made available by Luanshya Municipal Council public relations Manager Gideon Thole.
“US$13 million will be pumped into the reopening of Baluba Mine. We are looking forward to reopening Baluba Mine after the increase in copper prices on the world market. I am appealing to members of the public to take time to understand and appreciate the challenges which the mining company is facing especially now that the operations at Baluba mine are about to resume,” he said.
Mr Chanda said he was pleased with LCM’s plans to reopen Baluba Mine this year and that the move was a relief especially to those workers who were placed on leave.
He said the mine, being the largest private sector employer in the district played a major role in the social and economic development of the town and remained a strategic partner to the local authority.
Mr Chanda further called on the mining firm to support local suppliers and contractors once the Baluba plant opens and recall the workers on leave and those on voluntary separation scheme due to challenges.
He commended the mine for their continued support towards the community through their various activities such as the agricultural support programme where LCM had been donating farming inputs to the vulnerable but viable small scale farmers.