Q FM Africa's Modern Radio
President Edgar Lungu has today commissioned the US$323 million state of the art synclinorium shaft by Mopani Copper Mines at its Nkana mine in Kitwe.
Speaking during the commissioning of the shaft this morning, Mopani Copper Mines Chief Executive Officer Johan Jensen says the shaft will extend the life of Nkana mine by 25 years to 50 years well beyond current depletion reserves.
Mr. Jensen says the new shaft will also secure jobs which would have otherwise been lost as a result of depletion of mining reserves.
He adds that apart from securing jobs, the new shaft will provide Mopani Copper Mines with access to some 115 million tonnes of ore at a grade 1.1 percent copper.
And Mines Minister Christopher Yaluma says with expansion projects such as the one undertaken by Mopani Copper Mines and the ramp up of production at Kalumbila mine, copper production is expected to reach the target of over 800,000 tonnes in 2017.
Mr Yaluma adds that the improved performance of the industry particularly large scale mines is also seen in improved compliance with safety and health environment regulations as seen in the adoption of new technologies that enhance safety and reduce environmental pollution.