An Association that represents mine suppliers and contractors says the decision by Mopani Copper Mines to halt operations at two shafts will lead to loss of employment for close to 700 people on the Copperbelt province.
Association president Augustine Mubanga tells Money in an interview that Mopani Copper Mines has so far terminated contracts of six of their members out of 15 contractors and suppliers that were servicing the mine.
Mr. Mubanga has therefore called on the Ministry of Mines and mineral development to engage management at Mopani Copper mines to find ways of how the affected contractors and suppliers can be assisted with employment.
Earlier this year while speaking at a joint media briefing in Kitwe, Mine Workers Union of Zambia President Joseph Chewe said Mopani Copper Mines had informed the three unions in the mining sector and the Zambian government of its plan to shut down its two mine shafts citing high operation costs.
The Copperbelt province-based Mopani Copper Mines has closed the Mindola North and Central shafts.
Mopani Copper Mines PLC is a Zambian registered company owned by Carlisa Investments Corporation (a joint venture company comprising Glencore International AG (73.1%) and First Quantum Minerals Ltd (16.9%)) and ZCCM-IH (10%).
Minority shareholders are spread throughout the world, in various locations.
Mopani Mines produces and sells copper and cobalt to the international market, being one of the biggest mines and exporters in the world.
Mine suppliers and contractors condemn Mopani Copper Mines for closing two shafts.
