MUZ wants Chambishi Metals to resume operations

MINEWORKERS Union of Zambia (MUZ) has urged Government and Chambishi Metals to quickly sort out the challenges at the Kalulushi- based firm and recall the miners who were placed on indefinite leave.

Chambishi Metals recently placed over 350 workers on forced leave and suspended operations, stating that it had become costly to import materials from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) due to high taxes. The mining firm is involved in mining, refining and tolling of copper and cobalt but suspended operations last month, citing failure to secure materials from its other units in DRC as Government had introduced import duty on concentrates. But MUZ General Secretary George Mumba said Government and Chambishi Metals management must find an amicable solution to the problem so that operations could resume.

He was speaking in an interview at the weekend.

"There is need for Government and the management team at Chambeshi Metals to find a solution to the issue that has led to a number of workers to be sent on forced leave," he said.

Meanwhile, Mr Mumba has advised miners to get loans for investment and not for consumption. He observed that said some miners were trapped in debt after getting loans which they did not utilise prudently. He said that miners should not get tempted to get loans even when they did not have any useful plans for the money. Mr Mumba said there was need for miners to start thinking of investment for the betterment of their future.