Munali Nickel Mine to employ more locals
By Brian Hatyoka
times.co.zm
MUNALI Nickel Mine will engage more local people in various fields when the plant resumes production, cost engineer Gina Cui has said.
Ms Gina said the firm was currently working out a plan to engage more general and skilled Zambian workers.
In an interview in Mazabuka last Friday, Ms Gina said her company would train local people and ensure they benefited from mining operations in the area.
“When we start producing nickel, we will employ more Zambian workers as some Chinese experts currently in Zambia are expected to go back to China,” she said.
She said the mine had already advertised various positions and was currently recruiting.
About 23 technical experts from Jinchuan Group Limited of China are currently in Zambia to conduct a restart plan for mining operations at Munali Nickel Mine.
Ms Gina said Jinchuan Group Limited was one of the largest nickel producers globally with advanced mining technology that it hoped to bring to Zambia.
She said the Group had 40 years of experience in nickel mining.
“We have advanced technology and experience in nickel mining and we hope to bring our expertise to Zambia,” she said.
Recently, Barclays Bank Zambia signed a restructuring plan with Albidon Zambia Limited and the major shareholder of Albidon Limited, Jinchuan Group Limited of China.
In a joint statement, Barclays Southern Africa regional managing director, Zafar Masud and Albidon General Manager Xin XiNing said the agreement between the parties is an important step in the process of providing for the resumption of mining at the Munali Nickel Mine in Mazabuka District.
Under the agreement, Barclays would offer Albidon a re-financing package for underground mining equipment that would allow the mine to manage both its production capacity as well as to meet its financial obligations.
Mr Masud said Barclays had yet again demonstrated its commitment to the growth of key economic sectors such as the mining industry.
“As a leading commercial bank in Zambia, Barclays remains committed to supporting various industries towards the country’s economic growth objectives.”
“Barclays is particularly grateful to all the parties involved in finding a mutually beneficial solution to the issues of Munali,”he said.
Albidon general manager, Mr Xin said Albidon, together with Jinchuan, viewed the agreement as an important milestone in the proposed restart of Munali.
Munali Nickel Mine has been under care and maintenance since March when operations were suspended due to depressed global nickel prices that impacted on the viability of the business at the time. |
