Malawi: Barrick Lumwana Mine has announced that they are hoping to double their copper production in the next four years. Currently, the mine produces approximately 120,000 metric tonnes of metal for widespread use.
The number is expected to increase to 240,000 per annum by 2028. The officials have shared that the increase being projected will be possible with the expansion of the Super Mine Pit. The authorities at Barrick Lumwana Mine made the announcement during a Ministerial visit.
Three Cabinet Ministers visited the Barrick Lumwana Mine on Saturday for a site visit and progress check. The Ministers were being led by Minister of Mines Paul Kabuswe.
During this visit, the Barrick Lumwana Country Manager Anthony Malenga spoke to the Ministers. He also informed the visiting leaders about their plan for the future of the mines.
He gave the credit of the anticipated increase in the copper production to the stable policy environment. He thanked the government for their dedication and hardwork to the development of this sector.
According to the country manager Malenga, the company is dedicated to providing significant employment opportunity to locals. The company representative said that they have hired 99 percent local workers from the communities of Zambia.
Out of this number, 40 percent of the people working in the mines are residents of the Kalumbila district. The officials have shared that
Meanwhile, Minister of Mines and Mineral Development Paul Kabuswe said the delegation is in Northwestern Province on a fact-finding mission regarding mine operations as sanctioned by President Hakainde Hichilema.
Minister Kabuswe recalled that the government had set out for achieving a strategic target of its three million metric tonnes production by 2030. The anticipated increased copper production will help the nation in making this mandate into a reality for the mining sector.
Among the Ministers who visited the mine in Northwestern include, Information and Media Cornelius Mweetwa, Labour and social security Brenda Tambatamba and Ministry of Mines Permanent Secretary Hapenga.