Africa-Press – Zambia. Chililabombwe youths have staged a match past demanding the return of Vedanta Resources to take over Konkola Copper Mines (KCM) on the Copperbelt. Handing over the petition to Mines and Minerals Development Minister Paul Kabuswe , Chishala Mwamba , who represented the youths, said since the liquidation of KCM, the levels of unemployment in both Chingola and Chililabombwe have increased.
Mr. Mwamba said Vedanta Resources should return so that youths can leave the streets and be employed by the mine. He said Vedanta is willing to produce the three million tonnes of copper production in the next ten years which Government has targeted.
Mr. Mwamba further said the 20 percent salary increment by Vedanta which the firm intends to offer workers is also commendable. He said this is why Government should give Vedanta resources a second chance to resume operations on the Copperbelt.
Mr. Mwamba said 90 percent of his members have agreed in the petition on return of Vedanta resources. He said the matter should be handled with urgency. Mines and Minerals Development Minister Paul Kabuswe said he will escalate the matter and forward the opetition to relevant authorities.
The Mines Minister said he does not hold the final decision on the Vedanta matter but that Government will decide on the issue of Vedanta resources is what will be followed.
Mr Kabuswe, who is also Chililabombwe Member of Parliament, said Government is committed to make sure that KCM and Mopani mines come back to life, and create more jobs.
He said the youths had all the trust and hope in the government to create more jobs for them. The Minister also warned mines with a tendency of not improving the welfare of their employees.
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