MOPANI URGED TO CURB ENCROACHMENTS

MOPANI Copper Mine should invest in security instead of waiting for people to build houses up to roof level and then start demolishing them, Mines and Minerals Development Minister, Richard Musukwa has advised.

The Minister however warned people who were in the habit of encroaching licensed mining areas as the trend was illegal and retrogressive.

Mopani has suffered encroachments in almost all their premises in Kitwe.

Mr Musukwa said in Kitwe that there was need for the mining firm to ensure that all propertie were protected before people could invade and cause problems.

He, therefore, urged Mopani to invest in security so that unscrupulous people could not build structures on mine properties.

"Stop all illegal activities before things get worse. Invest heavily in security because things have now changed to the extent that people ignore notices against land encroachment," he said.

Mr Musukwa said it was important for Mopani which was the licence holder of the premises to secure the land and avoid challenges with the people.

The Minister further advised the mining firm to have a social licence to operate.

He said it was important for the firm to engage the community in a manner that would make them feel part of the mine investment.

Mr Musukwa further advised the community to support investment as well as investors to ensure that operations of the mines were running smoothly.

"People need to respect the law and ensure that they do not invade licenced areas. And the biggest security Mopani can put in place is to talk to the people," he said.