CEC SEEKS TO INCREASE POWER SUPPLY TO THE MINES

Copperbelt Energy Corporation is seeking to increase its supply of power to the mines due to increased demand.

The sole-supplier of power to the mines, says this will involve expanding its power distribution infrastructure.

The infrastructure expansion programme will include increasing power supply to the Nkana Sub-Station in order to support Mopani Copper mines’ expansion.

CEC is therefore sorting for expressions of interest from the public and interest groups with a deadline of 23^rd February 2012.

Glencore International’s Mopani has completed constructing its 320 million doallrs Synclinorium shaft to extend the life of the mine in Kitwe by 25 years and increase copper and cobalt output.

The Synclinorium project will provide Mopani with access to 115 million metric tons of copper and cobalt ore and boost ore production to 5 million tons a year by 2018 from the current 3.4 million produced.

The Synclinorium shaft project is one of the largest and deepest mining construction projects currently underway in Zambia.

Meanwhile, on the workers welfare side, Mopani has agreed a 17 percent pay rise with unions, almost triple the inflation rate.