ZCCM-IH has targeted to produce 60,000 tonnes of manganese this year at its mine in Serenje, which has commenced following the end of heavy rainfall.

The rain pattern had posed a challenge in accessing the mine sites, hence operations could not start earlier.

ZCCM-IH, through its wholly owned subsidiary Kabundi Resources Limited (KRL), has started phase one of the project in the small-scale mining license, with an initial capital injection of K18.6 million.

Public Relations Manager, Loisa Mbatha-Kakoma, yesterday told the Daily Nation that phase two of the project which was scheduled to start before the onset of this year’s rainy season would be extended to other areas of the ZCCM-IH large scale exploration area in Serenje.

Ms Kakoma said ZCCMIH Chief Executive Officer, Mabvuto Chipata, undertook a site visit last month and inspected works at the Kampumbu Resettlement area earmarked for relocation of nine households from the Kabundi mine site.

She said the Resettlement Action Plan (RAP) approved by the Zambia Environmental Management Services (ZEMA) involves the construction of an additional one-by-two classroom block and a health centre.

Nine three bedroomed houses for the relocation of the Project Affected families, one house for a teacher, and another house for a medical staff were also part of RAP.

“These buildings will also be serviced and fully connected with piped water sourced from water boreholes to be drilled in the area. Mr Chipata was happy with the progress made both at the mining operation and the RAP sites.

“The mine will be fully operational by July 2020. ZCCM-IH will spend a total of K4.5 million to fulfil the RAP obligations, which are scheduled to be handed over to the beneficiaries in June 2020,” Ms Kakoma said.

Source: https://www.pressreader.com/zambia/daily-nation-newspaper/20200506/281835760869622