Mines inform govt, they are to lay off workers

Government has disclosed that a number of mining companies have informed government about their intentions to lay off workers due to operational challenges in the mining sector.

And government says it has no intentions to nationalize mines where the owners want to lay off workers.

Labour and Social Security Deputy Minister Alfridah Kansembe says official notification have been received by her ministry from Mopani Copper Mines, Konkola Copper Mines, Luanshya Copper Mines, Chibuluma Copper Mines and Kalumbila Copper Mines.

Responding to a question from Mpongwe PF Member of Parliament Gabriel Namulambe, who wanted to know if government is aware about the impending job losses in the mining sector, Ms Kansembe says according to a fact finding mission done on the Copperbelt by her ministry, a number of copper mines indicated their intentions to lay off workers.

Ms Kansembe says government has been actively engaging the mining companies and unions to avert the job losses in the mining sector.

She has disclosed that government met mine owners through the Chambers of Mines of Zambia to come up with amicable solutions.

Labour Deputy Minister says the jobs in the mining sector can only be preserved through dialogue which she says government is doing.