The ruling Patriotic Front in Southern Province is happy with the reopening of Munali Nickel Mine set for early next year following Consolidated Nickel Mines acquisition of the mine from the owners Jinchuan Group.

Consolidated Nickel Mines has injected restart finance of forty million US dollars.
PF Southern Province Information and Publicity Secretary Trymore Mweenda says this makes good reading and brings excitement to Mazabuka district in particular and Southern Province in general.

Mr. Mweenda says since the mine was placed under care and maintenance in November 2011, about seven years ago there has been an atmosphere of uncertainty regarding resumption of operations at the mine which had employed many residents of Mazabuka district and beyond.

“The announcement by the new mine owners to resume operations next year has therefore come as a relief and it is gratifying to note that about 400 people have been employed as work commences towards the build up to start of operations in the first quarter of next year,” he said.

Mr. Mweenda says his party is reliably informed that an additional 350 indirect jobs will be created through offshoots of the mine operations in engagement of contractors, subcontractors and suppliers services.

“We are confident the new owners are working round the clock to ensure the set target of the mine reopening will be met as seen through a recent successful blast underground, arrival of some vital mining equipment and the fencing of the mine site. Over and above the Construction of the first ever Dense Media Separator (DMS) Plant in Zambia, which will improve head grade from one percent to two percent is on course and is set for commissioning before end of December gives assurance of the owners unflinching commitment to this project,” Mr. Mweenda said.

Mr. Mweenda is further thankful to the traditional leadership in Mazabuka for welcoming and offering to support the reopening of the mine and for being categorical on the need for their subjects to be rewarded through employment opportunities.