The Mine Workers Union of Zambia – MUZ – has urged government to expedite the process of reopening of Chambishi Metals as the continued closure has continued to negatively affect the laid off workers as well as the economy of the Copperbelt.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with the Zambian Business Times – ZBT, MUZ President Joseph Chewe Said the continued closure of Chambishi Metals has not only affected the union membership, but it is also affecting the community as it has deprived the much needed job opportunities.
He stated that the closure has also deprived business opportunities for the people that are dependent on the mining firm such as suppliers and the linked businesses. Chewe noted that the closure has also affected the country’s revenue collection through Zambia Revenue Authority – ZRA and the respective Town Councils, the ministry of mines to ensure that the asset (Chambishi metals) is brought back to operation
Management at Chambishi metals place the mine on care and maintenance in January 2020 following failure to access raw materials such as cobalt from neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo – DRC which resulted in the loss of about 230 workers. Remember that these workers support about 5 to 6 family members, therefore the people directly affected are about 1,400.
The MUZ President said government should therefore find alternative means that will ensure that the mine reopen unlike the continued placing of operations on care and maintenance leading to no production and continued joblessness.
With the increased cost of living occasioned by the steep fuel price increase, towns like Chambishi and Kalulushi which relied on jobs and revenue generated from Chambishi metals are being hit hard. The need for urgent solutions to reopening the mining related firm is urgent.
