GOVERNMENT’S decision to give back the 25-year mining licence of Collum Coal Mine in Sinazongwe to its owners deserves commendation.
The reinstatement follows the mine’s successful appeal to President Edgar Lungu over its cancelled licence.
This shows Government’s commitment to development and creation of more jobs for the masses.
Apart from getting back the licence, Collum Coal Mine was also given a large-scale operations permit, a decision which will save more than 600 jobs and create an additional 200.
With this development, the owners will inject a fresh capital of US$50 million into the mine and this is what will lead to creation of new jobs.
The revival of this mine in Sinazongwe will be key to the provision of additional jobs in the mining industry.
Mineworkers Union of Zambia (MUZ) general secretary Joseph Chewe said the union was happy with the development as it would contribute significantly to the availability of jobs and coal for the local market.
Coal remains an important component in the Zambian industries as a source of energy and several companies still depend on it for their production activities.
The Collum Coal Mine licence was revoked in 2013 after the owners allegedly breached the Zambian safety and labour laws.
Therefore as it resumes operations, the mining company should ensure strict adherence to safety, health and environmental standards as observed by Mr Chewe.
Apart from alleged flouting of labour laws, poor safety and sanitary record at the place of work, there were also concerns over the mine’s failure to remit taxes.
We hope with the new development after two years of being dormant, the mine owners have put their house in order and will stick to all the mining regulations.
The company management team in liaison with the Mines Safety Department should also conduct a thorough audit of the mine and come up with a checklist of activities that need to be undertaken to ensure all mining regulations are adhered to .
We would not like to see a repeat of what transpired in 2012 when the locals in Sinazongwe rioted over the poor working conditions, leading to the death of one Chinese miner.
It is every well-meaning Zambian’s desire to see this mine reach greater heights in terms of production and become an active player in the economy.