Chinese coalmine in Zambia to resume operation

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2009-02-24 09:05

LUSAKA -- The Zambia Mines Safety Department has lifted the suspension on the Chinese Collum Coal Mine (CCCM) in Sinazongwe District in Southern Province in January this year.

Chief inspector for mines Billy Chewe said on Monday that Shaft Two and Shaft Three of the coalmine have been opened following compliance to the 34 safety rules they were given to fulfill.

CCCM marketing manager Lu Haiguan said that all the workers have returned for work and the two shafts have started producing 100 metric tones of coal per day.

He said the close of the mine affected the supply of coal to Konkola Copper Mine (KCM), Chilanga Cement (Lafarge), Amanita Zambia and many breweries across Zambia.

Lu noted that the re-opening of the mine would improve its coal supply to the customers that were affected as a result of the closure.

Last week, Chewe said Shaft One and Shaft Four would remain closed because the owners failed to comply with the safety regulations.

On Jan. 4, Chewe handed a letter to the CCCM management instructing them that operations at the mines have been suspended with immediate effect.

He said it was clear that the mine was no longer safe following the two accidents recorded in less than one month. He said the mine would only be reopened when the 34 safety conditions given to the management was met.

Some of the conditions included the employing of trained personnel such as the shift boss, to provide proof of appointment of a qualified mine manager for the shafts, and to provide proper support methods used in the tunnels.