Rupiah happy with mining sector

Rupiah happy with mining sector
By Misheck Wangwe in Solwezi
Fri 29 Apr. 2011, 19:10 CAT

PRESIDENT Rupiah Banda says it is gratifying that the mining sector has become viable again and contributing significantly to the economic growth of the country.

Speaking on arrival at Solwezi Airport where he went to officially open First Quantum Minerals multi million dollar, Kalumbila Mine, President Banda hailed the project as a boost to economic and social wellbeing of people in North Western Province and the country as a whole.

“We are happy about this project because our people will benefit greatly.

It will create about 2000 jobs for locals; schools and roads will be constructed because of these mining activities. We want our people to live well, to come out of poverty to live well together with their families, hence the investment,” President Banda said.

He said it was gratifying the copper projections and output have continued to rise in the mining sector thereby creating employment for the people particularly young men and women who needed jobs. He said the significant growth the mining and agriculture sectors were recording should inspire all well-meaning Zambians to join the process of development.

President Banda said his government had demonstrated real commitment to the fight against poverty and underdevelopment by constructing schools, hospitals and other important infrastructure for the rural population.

Kalumbila Mine, through its business units, has since employed 596 workers and it would attract more than 2,000 jobs. Full scale operations were expected to begin by the year 2014. The mine is located in Chief Musele's area.