Baluba Mine to re-open next month

BALUBA shaft at Luanshya Copper Mine will become fully operational in May this year, /uanshya 'istrict &ommissioner '& -oel &hibuye has said.

Mr Chibuye said the mine had already subcontracted JCHX with more than 150 employees to prepare the mine for full operations.

He said approximately 800 jobs are going to be created and that Luanshya residents are a priority for employment as soon as the mine starts operations.

"As government we are aware of the challenges that the people of Luanshya are facing, hence it is for this reason that we are ensuring that the mine makes residents of Luanshya priority for employment.

"The mine will not only provide jobs for the residents in the district but it will also help in the social and economic development through Corporate Social Responsibility programmes. Disposable income will also increase," he said.

Meanwhile, Mr Chibuye appealed to motorists in the district to register their vehicles as public transport vehicles instead of operating as pirate taxis.

He said there is a sudden increase in pirate taxis, an illegal practice which is “robbing” the government of the much-needed revenue. Mr Chibuye said the illegal operators were not paying tax and appealed to the Luanshya Municipal Council and the police to levy operators who were abrogating the law.

He also said residents should only hire registered taxis to curb the illegal practice and also for their own safety.