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(LUSAKATIMES) Mining firms prospecting for minerals in National Parks

Mining firms prospecting for minerals in National Parks
Wednesday, November 4, 2009, 11:27

Parliament yesterday heard that three firms are prospecting for minerals in the Lochinvar National park and Kafue flats in Bweengwe constituency.

Mines and Mineral Development Minister has told parliament that Albidon Zambia limited, Dongwe and other small licensed firms are prospecting for Gypsum and other precious minerals and stones in the area.

Dr. Mwansa was responding to a question by Bweengwe Member of Parliament Hive Hamududu who wanted to know whether there were any firms prospecting for minerals in the Lochinvar national park and Kafue flats in his constituency.

Mr. Hamududu also wanted to know the names of the firms and the kind of mineral they are prospecting.

Mr. Hamududu said there was need for the Ministry of Mines to be careful as some firms would get consent for prospecting minerals while they were actually mining.

In response the Dr. Mwansa said the process of prospecting involves special meteorological works hence the use of some equipment which seem as though the companies were mining.

He appealed to those interested in prospecting for minerals in the area to apply for the mining rights.

Earlier Transport and Communications Minister, Geoffery Lungwangwa told the house that his Ministry is committed to holding the Rail Systems of Zambia (RSZ) accountable to the concession that was signed between the company and government.

Prof Lungwangwa said government will always make sure that the RSZ adheres to the concession requirements so that the rail sector develops in the country.

On the cargo exceeding the set tonnage, Prof Lungwangwa said there is a law that stipulates that any cargo vehicle should not be more than 22 metres long and should be weighed.

The Minister was responding to oral questions by Kabwe Central MP Kayula Kakusa who wanted to know whether the Government has any plans to introduce maximum tonnage on particular stretches of roads so that cargo exceeding the set tonnage should be transported by rail to save roads.

Mr. Kakusa also wanted to know when the Railway Systems of Zambia (RSZ) will repair the rail tracks to save the roads from being damaged by heavy trucks.

ZANIS

Labels: ALBIDON, GAME PARKS, GEOFFREY LUNGWANGWA, HIGHVIE HAMUDUDU

posted by MrK @ 3:47 PM