Zambia: State eyes 80,000 mine jobs by 2015

GOVERNMENT has projected to create 80,000 jobs in the mining sector by 2015.
And Government is optimistic that it will reach the one million metric tonnes of copper production in the next four years.
Minister of Mines and Minerals Development Maxwell Mwale said the anticipated growth in job creation will be largely driven by increased mining activities across the country.
Mr Mwale cited Konkola North (KNNOCO) Project, Trident Mining owned by First Quantum MINING, Zonghi, Denson Mining Limited currently exploring in Southern Province, as some of the projects coming on stream in the industry, to contribute to job creation.
The minister was speaking during the recording of a Ministry of Finance television programme `Culture remodeling’ under the theme: `Mining sector performance” at the ministry headquarters in Lusaka on March 19.
He said employment levels in the mining sector is currently at 50,000 and would have been higher in 2015 had it not been for improved mining technological which has replaced manpower with equipment.
Mr Mwale expressed confidence that Government will hit the one million metric mark of copper production by 2015 due to increased mining activities.
“Prospects are bright for Zambia, with the re-opening of Chambeshi Mine and increased investment by West Orebody putting in US$160 million. Come 2015, we expect to reach a million tones,” Mr Mwale said.
[Zambia Daily Mail]