Konkola Copper Mines-KCM says it is in talks with the Zambia Environmental Management Agency-ZEMA on finding ways of safely processing the imported toxic copper concentrates from Chile.
KCM Manager Public Relations and Communication, Shapi Shachinda says the mining giant is also in close contact with the Ministry of Lands, Natural Resources and Environmental Protection over the same issue.
Mr. Shachinda said this in response to a press query.
He says blending, safely and efficiently processing of copper ores is a common practice in the industry.
A fortnight ago, Lands Minister Christabel Ngimbu directed KCM to immediately take back the toxic Copper to Chile.
Ms. Ngimbu took a swipe at KCM for not following procedure when it brought into Zambia over Five Thousand tonnes of the toxic copper.
The Copper concentrates imported from Chile which contains arsenic, a harmful substance, has been a matter of debate for some time now, with stakeholders expressing concern over the effect it might have on people exposed to it.
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Jane Mbewe Mulenga
What is their reason behinde this so called its cheap to process copper from Chile in Zambia than Chile? And how do they start imports of this TOXIC copper before an environmental impact assessment is done? Please do not try to put blindfolds over our eyes, this Processing is already taking place&disposing of such toxic material is also taking placem#opinion#low mineral taxes drawing them to process such toxic copper here#God deliver us