Rufunsa gold miners, ZCCM-IH deal

RUFUNSA gold mining cooperatives and ZCCM-IH have signed an agreement after a long disagreement on operational terms.

In an interview, Chimwetu Gold Mining  Cooperative chairman, Emmanuel Tembo disclosed that the four cooperatives finally agreed to the terms after a series of discussions with ZCCM-IH. The four cooperatives are Pokela, Chimwetu, Kamandu and Chipeketi.

He expressed happiness at the development and hoped that this would help both parties to engage in business and regretted the longstanding disagreement, but noted that it was necessary to ensure that all parties were satisfied with the terms.

He disclosed that the signing ceremony took place yesterday at Jesper Lodge in Rufunsa and that ZCCM-IH was represented at the signing ceremony.

Mr Tembo observed that the cooperatives were initially hesitant to sign the agreement because of a few concerns such as the ownership of the equipment but noted that these matters have been resolved and the parties agreed to the terms after concession.

He also noted that the agreement would now compel the cooperatives to trade with ZCCM-IH who offered a better price for the gold than private buyer and said that this will ensure that government got the desired tax.

Mr. Tembo however revealed that one cooperative, Kamandu gold mining cooperative chairperson was not available to sign the agreement as his area of residence was cut off due to heavy rains. He however, said that the cooperatives had all agreed to the terms and the chairperson for Kamandu was ready to sign and would to travel to the ZCCM-IH offices to sign the documents.