GLOBAL FIRM SEARCHES FOR SALT DEPOSITS IN CHIENGI

By BUSINESS REPORTER A MULTI-NATIONAL firm, BSBK Limited, is set to commence exploration of salt deposits in Chiengi district in Luapula province.

BSBK Limited chief executive officer Chintamani Kharkar said his company was set to launch investigations into possible availability of salt deposits in Chiengi.

Mr Kharkar said that his company had engaged a team of scientists thatwould soon be visiting Chiengi district.

He was speaking in Mansa when his team paid a courtesy call on Luapula Province Minister Nixon Chilangwa.

"We are here following the presentation we made in Lusaka declaringour interest to invest in salt production in Chiengi district. It is our hope that our mission is accomplished so that the district becomes the new salt producer in Zambia," he said.

Two months ago, Mr Kharkar made a presentation in Lusaka on his company's desire to invest in the production of salt.

At the same function, Mr Chilangwa said once the investment was actualised, it would change the economic profile of Chiengi andprovide the locals with the much-needed employmentopportunities.

The Minister said the investment was part of the results of the Luapula expo which was hosted in the province last year.

Mr Chilangwa was flanked by the provincial Deputy Permanent SecretaryRoyd Chakaba and Luapula Chamber of Commerce President Jonathan Mukabila.He said the Provincial administration would give BSBK all the support for the project to succeed.

"We are happy that as a province we have continued to receive the

results of the expo by having investors come into the province. Thisgives us much joy because Luapula will soon become the economic hub of the country," he said.