Govt has no capacity to run Mopani – Opposition

Government has been advised against taking over the operations at Mopani Copper Mines because it has no capacity to run the operations of such a mine.
Reacting to President Edgar Lungu’s call on Mopani Copper Mine management to handover the mine to government if they have failed to run it, MMD President Nevers Mumba says it is common knowledge that the mining sector is currently facing operational challenges due to insufficient power supply by Zesco.

Dr. Mumba has told QFM News via telephone that government will do well to inform the nation if they have failed to constructively engage the mining firm in resolving its operational challenges.
He says it is a well known fact that most mining firms are finding it difficult to operate, and that it is the duty of government to come to the aide of the mining sector by introducing policies that will benefit both workers and mine owners.
And UPND Deputy Spokesperson Edwin Lifwekelo says certain things are better left to the private sector to manage because they have the expertise in such kind of huge investment.
Speaking in a separate interview, FDD Spokesperson Antonio Mwanza says statement by the President is an indication that the PF government has no policy on mining.
Meanwhile, Chambers of Mines of Zambia President Nathan Chishimba has encouraged government to continue working with the private sector in developing the mining industry.

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