Lubambe targets improved output

LUBAMBE Copper Mines (LCM) will this year increase copper production by 60 per cent, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Nick Bowen has said.

Mr Bowen said copper production for one year had increased by 22 per cent and was hoping to continue scaling up production to sustainable levels.

He was speaking on Tuesday when Mines and Minerals Development Minister Richard Musukwa met members of the management, union leaders and the workers.

“Copper production for one year had improved by 22 per cent. We are hopeful that production will continue to increase. 22,000 tonnes of copper was produced last year.

“This year, we want to increase copper production by 60 per cent. We want to take the mine to the point where it will be sustainable and continue to increase production,’’ Mr Bowen said.

And Mr Musukwa urged management to concentrate on team building, development of the mine and increasing production.

Mr Musukwa, who is Chililabombwe Member of Parliament (MP), said Mr Bowen should concentrate on providing leadership in a fair and reasonable manner.

“If you build a team that believes in hard work and increasing production, then Lubambe will be transformed and it will be a household name in the mining industry. So I am urging you to provide leadership that will be fair, reasonable and considerate,’’ Mr Musukwa said.

Mr Musukwa said he had no doubt that, Energy Mineral Resources (EMR), the new owner of the mine would be able to turn around the mine for the better.

He urged Zambian professionals at the mine to differ on professional level, not on political or personal grounds.

“We want Zambians working here to compete on levels of professionalism and competence. We don’t want this mine to be turned into a political battle field. No. If you want politics, come in the streets, you will find us,’’ he said.