The Zambia Chamber of Mines says the has described the announcement by Mopani Copper Mine to close two of its mines as sad development.
Speaking in an interview with Money FM News Chamber Chief Executive Officer Sokwani Chilambo says the mining industry has had a tough first quarter as production has been below the production of last year.
He says the decision by KCM is an indication that mining industry has a very difficult operating environment especially without the imports from DRC.
Mr Chilembo says the Chamber hopes to meet with government and reach an agreement with government over a number of issues among them the import duty and non-deductibility mineral loyalty tax and export duty.
The Mine Workers Union of Zambia (MUZ) says Mopani Copper Mines has informed the mine unions in the mining sector and government of its plan to shut down two of its mine shafts which are Mindola and Central shafts effective 1st June 2019.
Union President Joseph Chewe says this is as a result of increased cost of operations necessitated by fuel costs, power tariffs, unpaid Vat refunds and new taxes.
Mr Chewe says the shutdown is expected to affect over 600 Mopani workers and Contractors are to face retrenchment due to the shutdown.