The Association of Mine Suppliers and Contractors has supported plans by the government to introduce a statutory instrument that will safeguard contracts for contractors and suppliers in the mining sector.
Association president Augustine Mubanga comment follows a stance taken by Mopani Copper Mine to introduce a new business model called contractor optimization.
The business model seeks to reduce the number of local contractors supplying Mopani from fifty-one to four contractors thereby leading to losing jobs, as well as sidelining local contractors from participating in the mining industry.
And Mr. Mubanga tells Money FM in an interview that the statutory instrument that seeks to make it mandatory for mining firms in Zambia to give certain percentage of their business contracts to local contractors and suppliers will guarantee job security in the sector.
Meanwhile, in a statement issued to the media, Mopani Copper Mines Public Relations Manager Nebert Mulenga explained that the aim of the contract optimization process is to improve workplace safety and operational performance while maintaining and achieving strong local participation.
“The new programme seeks to promote higher operational excellence across all Mopani operations and help improve the delivery of projects on time and within budget,” he said.