Luanshya Copper Mines’ 28 Shaft is getting seven additional pumps to accelerate the pumping out of water from the mine.
At a meeting with President Hakainde Hichilema in China yesterday,
CNMC disclosed that some of the pumps are already in Zambia while others were en route. This will bring to 13 the number of pumps simultaneously deployed to the dewatering to ensure that 130 million cubic meters of water are pumped out in a shorter time.
The company stated that this type of pump and activity had never before been seen in China, hence, a team of experts being brought in to Luanshya to oversee the process.
President Hichilema stated that he was looking forward to the conclusion of the dewatering so that mining could commence and the Luanshya mine could contribute to the 3 million tons of copper production target.
He said the water being pumped out was essential not only for power generation as it is being redirected to the Kafue River but also for human and animal consumption, and agriculture.
He also urged CNMC to enhance exploration work within its license areas as the government desires to see what else may be sitting in those areas.
He said his government wishes to deepen joint venture partnerships and do more business with them.
28 Shaft was shut down and decommissioned more than 20 years ago, taking away much of Luanshya’s economic livelihood with it.
CNMC is resuscitating the mine and commenced dewatering the flooded mine at the beginning of May.
