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The Zambian government has dispelled reports that chiefs in Mwinilunga District in North-Western Province are opposed to Chinese investor Zhongui Mining Industries’ intention to put up copper mining investment in the district, Zambia News and Information Services (ZANIS) reported on Wednesday.

According to ZANIS, North-Western Province Permanent Secretary Jeston Mulando argued that it is not true that the chiefs in the area ere opposed to the proposed investments by the Chinese investor.

Mulando said the people in the district are eager to see Zhongui Mining Industries put up a mine as soon as possible so that they could see the flow of investments.

He said the people are convinced that such investment will assist in uplifting their living standards.

He said the Chinese investors met all the nine chiefs in Mwinilunga and agreed with them on the proposal to set up copper mining investment in the area.

Mulando said after Zhongui Mining Industries signed an agreement with the chiefs in the district, the government gave the company a prospecting license for an area of 8,000 square kilometers out of the 14,000 square kilometer area that was initially held by FQM and Equinox.

He said the government would not stop any other investor, Zambian or foreign, to invest in the remaining 6,000 square kilometers.

Mulando said according to the company proposal profile, Zhongui Mining Industries intends to employ about 2,000 people and set up a mining township with all necessary amenities required for a township.

He added that Zhongui Mining Industries would also extend the services of the smelter to small-scale miners who may want to produce high quality copper.

Senior Chief Kanongesha said the Chinese investors are welcome to carryout mining activities in the district.

Editor: Xiong Tong