‘Nakonde has copper deposits’

 

PARLIAMENT yesterday heard that four companies had started mineral explorations in Nakonde District in Northern Province with the area showing signs of containing untapped copper deposits.
Mines, Energy and Water Development Deputy Minister Richard Musukwa told Parliament that the four companies were issued with licences after the Government conducted a geological survey in the area.

 

The companies are Kouri Mining Limited, Zirconia Investment Limited, Pad C Pranch Limited and Vale Zambia Limited.
Mr Musukwa said this in response to Nakonde Member of Parliament (MP) Abel Sichula who wanted to know whether there had been any mineral explorations going on in Nakonde and what minerals were discovered.

 

 

“The Government has engaged four private companies to explore for minerals in Nakonde, each with an exploration licence valid for between two and seven years. It is our sincere hope that there will be tangible results from this exercise,” he said.
Parliament also heard that the Government had contracted Neria Investments and Nyiombo Investments Limited to supply more than 100,000 tonnes of urea fertiliser under this year’s Farmer Input Support Programme (FISP).

Agriculture and Livestock Minister Given Lubinda said the two firms had been contracted for the task after careful consideration.
Mr Lubinda was responding to a question by Kalabo Central MP Chinga Miyutu who wanted to know the measures put in place to ensure that farming inputs were delivered on time countrywide.

 

“Government has commenced early preparations for this year’s farming season with prompt delivery of seed and fertiliser.
“It is envisaged that the FISP process will be concluded on time, especially that all bottlenecks under the ministry’s control have been addressed,” he said.
Mr Lubinda said the ministry would pilot the use of the electronic voucher system of procuring farming inputs in 13 districts across the country this year.

 

Meanwhile, Vice-President Inonge Wina is next week expected to issue a statement on the findings of the Rodger Chongwe Commission of Inquiry into the Mongu riots as well as the findings of the Sebastian
Zulu Commission inquiry on the sale of Zamtel to Lap Green of Libya.

ZNBC