President Hichilema Opens New Zambian-Owned Mine In Luapula

Yesterday, President Hakainde Hichilema opened the Luongo Musamu Manganese mine in Mutipula chiefdom of Chipili District in Luapula Province.

During the opening, President Hichilema said the mine represented another key investment into Zambia and had full government support.

The new mine houses over 40 million tonnes of manganese ore with production at the mine set to last the next 20 years.

The mine is Zambian owned and represents a key investment in the Zambian mining economy.

Musamu Resources developed the mine under the leadership of Sixtus Mulenga, the executive chairman of the company.

One of the key uses for manganese is in car batteries, something the New Dawn government has been supporting since it identified it as a key sector for development earlier this year.

Dr Mulenga also said that the company would continue to invest $20 million in the mine to meet its production target of 1 million tonnes of manganese annually.

He also stated that the mine will offer ample employment opportunities, having already employed 250 people, the mine will increase this to 1000 when it reaches its full capacity in five years’ time.

Paul Kabuswe, Mines and Minerals Development Minister, also praised the President stating that through his pro-investment stance he has unlocked more potential in the private sector.