The Zambian government has urged Sinomine Kitumba Minerals to be a model of responsible investment through strict adherence to pledges the firm has made and deliver on its commitments.
Central province deputy permanent secretary Godfrey Chitambala says Sinomine Kitumba should ensure that all the promises being made are fulfilled once its project is fully operational and set an example to other investors.
Mr Chitambala says some investors tend to neglect the pledges they make once they start operating, thereby neglecting the confidence other stakeholders place in their investments.
Speaking during a Sinomine Kitumba Processing Plant stakeholder engagement in Mumbwa, Mr Chitambala said value can only be realized through fulfilling what the company promises.
He also expressed confidence that the processing plant project will soon materialize as Sinomine Kitumba continues to develop its integrated mining and copper processing project.
Mr Chitambala reiterated that Sinomine Kitumba’s investment in Mumbwa District is poised to greatly contribute to Central province and Zambia’s economic transformation.
Speaking during the same meeting, Nondeknox Consulting Limited metallurgist Morrison Songwe assured the stakeholders that the advantageous geological location of Sinomine Kitumba mine’s planned site for tailing dams will make the structures secure to avoid accidents that lead to environmental pollution.
Mr Songwe said that the company is working with capable experts to ensure the development meets specifications to avoid accidents such as structural failure.
He called on stakeholders to fully support Sinomine Kitumba project as the venture is going to create employment and enhance other social and economic services such as health care provision and improved roads in the area.
To minimize ecological impact, Mr Songwe outlined comprehensive mitigation measures being considered to address negative impacts of the project which include clearing of vegetation, generation of both domestic and industrial waste, potential human/animal conflicts as well as noise and dust pollution from the operations.
Speaking earlier during a courtesy call on Mumbwa District Commissioner Namukulo Hayumbu, Central province investment coordinator Slyvester Mwale commended Sinomine Kitumba for the continued stakeholder engagements.
Mr Mwale said that the company has involved key stakeholders such as the provincial planning unit from the onset thereby making it easier to understand and support the project at different phases of development.
Sinomine Kitumba Minerals is developing a processing plant with auxiliary facilities such as waste rock and overburden dumps, sulphuric acid plant, leach plant, tank house and concentrator at its integrated mining and copper processing project in Mumbwa.
The company is also developing a 36-kilometre water pipeline, solar power plant commonly known as solar power, powerlines and substations among other projects.