Plough back into community, mines urged

MINING firms in Mkushi should start ploughing back into the community of their operation, District Commissioner (DC) Luka Mwamba has directed.

Mr Mwamba made a directive when he addressed mining proprietors and representatives at Mkushi Council chamber.

Mr Mwamba said mining firms had damaged bridges constructed through ferrying of heavy tonnage of minerals especially manganese but never wanted to repair them.

He noted with concern that there were over 100 mining firms in the district but only about 30 were active.

Government, he said, was losing a lot of revenue through illegal mining a situation he said should be redressed.

The DC said Government was encouraging Private Public Partnership because it could not work alone to develop the nation.

“Big trucks are passing on those small bridges, but nothing has been done to repair those bridges. You want Government to start repairing and tomorrow you are the first people to insult Government that it is not repairing bridges.

“You are the people transporting minerals. Yes, you pay tax but look at the social corporate responsibility,” Mr Mwamba said

Mr Mwamba further asked mine owners to assist in constructing the mothers’ shelter at Mkushi District Hospital so that mothers taking care of patients could stop spending nights in the cold.

He said already, Sacko Mining Limited has donated 2,000 blocks and 100 pockets of cement towards the construction.

And following the meeting, mining firms formed an interim mining association committee to look into the mining activities in the area.

You are the people transporting minerals. Yes, you pay tax but look at the social corporate responsibility— Luka Mwamba