Mopani Copper Mines PLC has observed that Zambia's mining sector is bright as evidenced by the massive investment in the industry.
Mr Danny Callow CEO of Mopani Copper Mines said that his mine has invested about USD 2 billion in the rehabilitation of old mining infrastructure and setting up of new ones.This investment has contributed to the significant improvement in the country's national copper output.
Mr Callow said that the national copper output is currently at around 700,000 tonnes adding that this growth rate has led to a critical shortage of suitably trained and experienced technical personnel to support the increasing mining activities.
Mr Callow lamented that the skills shortage in the mining industry has led to serious competition among mining companies for the few available skilled persons.He further disclosed that MCM has already started constructing a multi billion Kwacha world class technical mining training centre in Mufulira town so as to enhance skills training among the local people for them to be relevant to the growth of the mining sector.
He said that the center will be constructed at a total cost of USD 15 million.MCM anticipates to train about 200 students in various mining fields The training will be aligned in a manner that will enable the student to work anywhere in the world.
Mr Callow said that MCM recognizes the need for quality mining skills training to assist the country produce artisans with skills that would be applied anywhere in the world.MCM is committed to providing necessary facilities and financial support towards higher education that is responsive to the needs of the industry and society.
Mr Callow explained that Zambia's success in the mining sector remains dependent on quality skills training as this is what will drive development of the economy and attainment of the targeted increase in production.
