The Zambia Chamber of Mines has justified that the decision by Mopani Copper Mines to close down two mining shafts on the Copperbelt province.
Speaking in an interview with Money FM News, Zambia Chamber of Mines Chief Executive Officer Sokwani Chilembo says the decision is as a result of the shafts coming to the end of their mining span.
Mr Sokwani adds that it became expensive and dangerous for the mining firm to continue conducting mining activities at the two shafts hence the decision to halt operations.
Meanwhile Ministry of Mines Permanent Secretary Paul Chanda said he had written to Mopani Copper Mines to ask the company not to close the two shafts because it had not exhausted discussions with the government.
Mopani Copper Mine has closed down two mining shafts on the Copperbelt Province leading to more than 500 workers jobless.
And 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.