Zambia Chamber of Mines has called on ZESCO to help protect mine assets during load shedding.

In a statement made available to ZANIS today by Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Zambia Chamber of Mines Talent Ng’andwe, the Council of Chamber of Mines has called on Zambia’s electricity supplier ZESCO, the Government and the entire energy sector to prioritise the protection of underground mine ventilation, mine dewatering infrastructure and Copper Smelter furnace assets from irreparable damage associated with power outages during this time of load shedding. 

Mr Ng’andwe explained that in the council’s resolution of its second quarter meeting, the Council appealed for heightened vigilance from ZESCO to prioritise ventilation and dewatering of underground mining operations and prevention of freezing over of smelter furnaces even under notice of Force Majuere served on Chamber of Mines member companies.

“The loss of any of these assets from mines such as Mabiza in the South to Lumwana, Kansanshi, Konkola, Nchanga or Mufulira in the North will be calamitous for the Copper and Nickel mining industry and the nation’s economic prospects,” he added.

He pointed out that the council fully and steadfastly supports ZESCO as it manages climate change by securing and availing to the mining industry and other sectors of the economy power supply alternatives. 

Mr Ng’andwe however said, the Chamber membership stands ready to swiftly cooperate with the government by participating in time bound and predictably proportioned alternative power supply sourcing arrangements to enable the sector and country to navigate the challenging circumstances.