Govt’s silence on Chambeshi metals reopening worrying – Mining Expert
A prominent Mining expert Edward Simukonda has raised concerns over the government’s delay in reopening Chambeshi Metals, the only plant in Zambia that used to produce cobalt metal and had the potential to be one of the largest cobalt metal producers in the world.
Simukonda said it is unfortunate that the government has remained mute on Chambeshi Metals reopening which has a lot of facilities to help improve the Zambian economy.
In an interview, Simukonda expressed his disappointment with the government’s lack of communication on the matter, stating that Chambeshi Metals has the potential to be one of the biggest mines operating on the Copperbelt. “We don’t know why the delay has been for Chambeshi Metals,” said Simukonda.
” You know Zambia was smelting Cobalt which was mined within Zambia and also mining on behalf of the DRC and Chambeshi Metals could have been very active today but we don’t know where the delay is and we don’t know what is happening there.”
This has come at a time when the mining industry in Zambia is facing numerous challenges, including a decline in copper, Cement & gold production and a shortage of foreign investment.
Chambeshi Metals’ closure has also had a significant impact on the local economy, with many workers losing their jobs and businesses that relied on the mine struggling to stay afloat.
The delay in reopening Chambeshi Metals has raised questions about the government’s commitment to the mining industry and the country’s economic growth.
With the potential to be one of the biggest mines on the Copperbelt, Chambeshi Metals could provide a significant boost to the Zambian economy and create much-needed jobs for local communities.
It remains unclear why the government has delayed reopening the mine, but Simukonda believes that the lack of communication on the matter is worrying. “It’s hard to tell why the government has delayed to open Chambeshi Metals,” he said.
“We need transparency and clarity on this issue, the delay in reopening Chambeshi Metals has significant implications for the Zambian mining industry and the local economy.”
He said the reopening of Chambeshi Metals could provide a much-needed boost to the industry and the broader economy, and it is imperative that the government takes action to address the delays.
