From ALEX NJOVU in Kitwe
THE Emerald Production Watch of Zambia (EPWZ) says it hopes that plans by Kagem Mining Limited to double emerald production in the next five years will translate into job creation for the people of Lufwanyama.
THE Emerald Production Watch of Zambia (EPWZ) says it hopes that plans by Kagem Mining Limited to double emerald production in the next five years will translate into job creation for the people of Lufwanyama.
Kagem Mining Limited has announced that it will invest US$100 million over the next five years to double emerald production.
EPWZ president Musa Kafimbwa said in an interview in Kitwe yesterday that it is important for emerald mines to work towards creating quality and sustainable jobs for Zambians, especially those living in Lufwanyama.
“We welcome plans by Kagem Mining Limited to double production in the next five years, but we want to appeal to the company to ensure that quality and pensionable jobs are created for our people.
“We want to see improved conditions of service for our brothers and sisters working for Kagem. We also want to see modern infrastructure built in Lufwanyama,” Mr Kafimbwa said.
He is concerned that Lufwanyama has lagged behind in development despite the district being endowed with world-class emeralds.
Mr Kafimbwa said time has come for Zambians to start benefiting from the country’s natural resources.
“There is poverty in Lufwanyama and most of the people are unemployed, yet we have some of the world’s best precious stones which are on demand. We want to see our people getting good and quality jobs,” Mr Kafimbwa said.
He also urged Government to put in place a monitoring mechanism on emerald mining.
“It is good that Government has shown interest in the sector, we have always said our sector is more viable than copper and it must be treated like that.
“Government must put in place a monitoring mechanism so that our people can start benefiting from the emeralds being mined in the country,” Mr Kafimbwa said.
Last week, Kagem chief executive officer Ian Harebottle announced that the US$100 million investment will result in the mine increasing emerald production to about five million carats from the current 2.5 million carats per month.
Mr Harebottle said of this amount, US$30 million will go towards the wash plant and other projects while the balance will go towards the continued recapitalisation of the mine.
He said Kagem mine, which is co-owned by London-listed Gemfields and the Zambian government at 75 percent and 25 percent respectively, has been transformed from bankruptcy to a profit-making mining firm due to investments in equipment, technology and skilled manpower.
EPWZ president Musa Kafimbwa said in an interview in Kitwe yesterday that it is important for emerald mines to work towards creating quality and sustainable jobs for Zambians, especially those living in Lufwanyama.
“We welcome plans by Kagem Mining Limited to double production in the next five years, but we want to appeal to the company to ensure that quality and pensionable jobs are created for our people.
“We want to see improved conditions of service for our brothers and sisters working for Kagem. We also want to see modern infrastructure built in Lufwanyama,” Mr Kafimbwa said.
He is concerned that Lufwanyama has lagged behind in development despite the district being endowed with world-class emeralds.
Mr Kafimbwa said time has come for Zambians to start benefiting from the country’s natural resources.
“There is poverty in Lufwanyama and most of the people are unemployed, yet we have some of the world’s best precious stones which are on demand. We want to see our people getting good and quality jobs,” Mr Kafimbwa said.
He also urged Government to put in place a monitoring mechanism on emerald mining.
“It is good that Government has shown interest in the sector, we have always said our sector is more viable than copper and it must be treated like that.
“Government must put in place a monitoring mechanism so that our people can start benefiting from the emeralds being mined in the country,” Mr Kafimbwa said.
Last week, Kagem chief executive officer Ian Harebottle announced that the US$100 million investment will result in the mine increasing emerald production to about five million carats from the current 2.5 million carats per month.
Mr Harebottle said of this amount, US$30 million will go towards the wash plant and other projects while the balance will go towards the continued recapitalisation of the mine.
He said Kagem mine, which is co-owned by London-listed Gemfields and the Zambian government at 75 percent and 25 percent respectively, has been transformed from bankruptcy to a profit-making mining firm due to investments in equipment, technology and skilled manpower.
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