The Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development has revealed that they are working to ensure that Munali Nickel Mine has a processing plant to support the manufacturing of batteries and electric cars in the country.
Minister in charge Richard Musukwa says this will work as a catalyst in the country’s manufacturing industry.
Mr. Musukwa says any forward and upward linkages in this process will help to build the economy and create employment opportunities for the locals.
The Minister was speaking in an interview with Money FM News in Lusaka.
Meanwhile Mr. Musukwa says that they have directed that 80 percent of the workforce and suppliers at the Munali Nickel Mine in Mazabuka district be comprised of the local people from within the district.
He says the government wants to see local people to benefit from the operations of the mine.
Mr. Musukwa on Tuesday accompanied President Edgar Lungu on a half day tour and commissioning of the mine which was acquired by Consolidated Nickel Mines (CNM) who injected financing of up to US$ 40 million to recapitalize it.
Reports indicate that since the mine was placed under care and maintenance in November 2011, there was uncertainty regarding resumption of its operations which was a source of employment for many residents of Mazabuka district and outside.
In October, 2018 it was announced by the new mine owners that operations were set to resume in the first quarter of 2019.