The mine union has urged the government to announce an investor to take over Mopani and provide the necessary funds to recapitalize the Mine.
Copper Production output at Mopani Copper Mines Plc a multi-faceted mining investment with operations in Kitwe and Mufulira districts of the Copperbelt Province, has continued dropping due to operational challenges caused by lack of investment.
According to the consolidated 2023 half-year mineral report obtained by the Zambian Business Times – ZBT, copper output at Mopani decreased by about ten percent from about 20, 000 metric tons produced in the first half-year of 2022 to now about 17, 000 in the first half of 2023.
At a time when copper prices are at about $8, 100 per ton, the mine has lost over $12 billion in the first half-year of 2023.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with the Zambian Business Times, NUMAW President Saul Simujika emphasized that the government needs to act fast to avoid any negative impact on production.
With Mopani being a major contributor to Zambia’s copper production, any delays or disruptions could have further ripple effects throughout the country’s economy hence the need for the government to take action to prevent any further delays and secure the mine’s success.
NUMAW president said although so many announcements have been made the union still awaits for the final announcement of the investor to take over the Mine.
“So we are hoping that this will be done as soon as possible as you may be aware that Mopani is still limping just like Konkola Copper Mines – KCM.”
NUMAW notes that even when it is believed that there is a thorough process, there is still need for the Government to expedite the process as further delays may have a ripple effect on the economy. “Our word to Government as they are doing these considerations, time is also of essence so that they don’t lose the mine.”
He said, “As for the workers we are still eagerly waiting for the recapitalizing of the mine which is long overdue. Everybody is affected with the delay to recapitalize the mine and we are hoping that the new investor will be announced before end of this year.”
with only a moth left to conclude the year, Government’s promises to have an investor to take over Mopani have not materialized and NUMAW hoped that the new investor will be announced before end of 2023.
