Zambia National Service – ZNS has been blamed for the continued delay in the re-opening of Zambia’s second largest gold mine – Kasenseli gold mine of Mwinilunga. This is because it’s unit guarding the mine site are awaiting official communication from their high command weeks after the mines ministry gave a go ahead for re-opening.
A source who asked that their identity be withheld told the Zambian Business Times – ZBT that the ZNS unit on the site have refused to allow officials who have the official authorization from the ministry of mines to re- open the mine on grounds that only their chain of command can ask them to leave the mine not a civilian.
This means Zambia Gold Company and its officials, suppliers and support staff cannot have its personnel on site to service equipment and prepare the plant for re-opening. This is further lengthening the re-opening timelines which is resulting in further loss of production time and revenues.
The Source further told ZBT that despite the Ministry of Mines lifting the suspension of the operations the mine, the current delays to reopen is squarely because of the bureaucracy of government operations. The ZNS officers are reducing to cede control of the gold mine on account of “no instructions have come through from the –ZNS- Command”.
And when contacted by ZBT to confirm if these allegations were true, ZNS Public Relations Manager Colonel Nakazwe Chinunda confirmed that ZNS and the commander have not received official communication on the matter.
Colonel Chinundu said ZNS will wait until such a time when they will be told to move out by the high command. “ZNS does not receive direct orders from the Ministry of mines or any ministry, adding that the commander has not received any official notification on the matter.
Kasenseli Mine is said to have huge gold deposits that are key to opening up a viable revenue line for government and Zambia in terms of forex earnings. The prolonged closure has further affected announced plans by the central bank – BOZ to build gold reserves that can help the country to stabilize its local unit – the Kwacha if well harnessed.
